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The 30-second answer
The most common signs of vitamin B12 deficiency are tiredness and weakness, numbness and pins and needles, a sore red tongue, and memory or concentration problems. It is diagnosed with a blood test, and a doctor decides the treatment (injections or tablets). If your doctor suggests tablets: the best value is Optimelt B12 (1000 mcg, EGP 100); with folic acid, Speconditional (EGP 120); imported, Jarrow (EGP 1,300 for 100 tablets).
Best-value B12
B12 with folic acid
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
According to the NHS, symptoms usually develop gradually and can get worse if the deficiency is not treated. Some are shared with anaemia, and some neurological ones are specific to B12 deficiency:
| Type | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| General (anaemia) | Tiredness and weakness, shortness of breath, headaches, palpitations, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or indigestion |
| Mouth | A sore, red tongue, sometimes with mouth ulcers |
| Neurological | Numbness, pins and needles, muscle weakness, problems with balance and coordination |
| Mood and memory | Problems with memory, understanding and judgement, mild depression or anxiety, and confusion in severe cases |
| Other | Vision problems and incontinence |
Do not wait
The NHS says some problems caused by B12 deficiency can be permanent if left untreated, and the longer it goes on, the higher the chance of lasting damage. If you have numbness, balance or memory problems, see a doctor early.
Who is at risk of B12 deficiency?
- Pernicious anaemia: an autoimmune condition that stops B12 being absorbed from the stomach; the most common cause in the UK, per the NHS.
- Diet: vegans and people who rarely eat meat, fish or dairy. Body stores can last 2 to 5 years, so symptoms can take a long time to appear.
- Stomach or bowel surgery and conditions: such as removing part of the stomach, or Crohn’s disease.
- Medicines: stomach-acid reducers (PPIs) and the diabetes medicine metformin can lower B12 levels, per the NHS.
Adults need only about 1.5 micrograms of B12 a day (per the NHS), from meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs.
Diagnosis and treatment: injections or tablets?
- Tests: per Cleveland Clinic, a complete blood count (CBC), a vitamin B12 level, and sometimes methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine tests.
- Injections: the NHS says injections are the usual treatment, especially when the cause is not diet (such as pernicious anaemia), and they may be needed for life.
- Tablets: mainly used when the deficiency is caused by diet; the NHS says to take them daily between meals.
- Vegans: may need B12 tablets for life.
B12-only supplements
#1
MethylcobalaminSublingualBest value
Avantic Optimelt B12 – 30 tablets
The cheapest 1000 mcg B12 here, and it dissolves under the tongue
EGP 100
EGP 3.3 per tablet · 30 tablets
- 1000 mcg methylcobalamin per tablet, per the product page
- Cherry-flavoured tablet that dissolves under the tongue, no swallowing
- EGP 100 for 30 tablets (EGP 3.3 per tablet)
Heads-up: Contains an artificial sweetener, per the pack; if you have a confirmed deficiency, your doctor sets the dose and route
#2
Methyl B12Imported
Jarrow Vitamin B12 1000 mcg – 100 tablets
A well-known US brand, and 100 tablets last over 3 months
EGP 1,300
EGP 13.0 per tablet · 100 tablets
- 1000 mcg B12 per tablet, per the product page
- Methyl B-12 in chewable tablets, per the pack image
- 100 tablets (EGP 13 per tablet)
Heads-up: Far pricier than local options with the same dose
#3
Methyl B12Imported
Natrol Vitamin B12 1000 mcg – 60 tablets
Another imported brand, if you prefer it
EGP 1,350
EGP 22.5 per tablet · 60 tablets
- 1000 mcg B12 per tablet, per the product title
- Methyl B-12, per the pack image
- 60-tablet bottle
Heads-up: The priciest per tablet here (EGP 22.5 per tablet), and the product page is brief
B12 with folic acid
#4
B12 + folic + B6Sublingual
Speconditional B12 + Folic Acid + B6 – sublingual
If your doctor wants B12 and folic acid in one tablet
EGP 120
EGP 4.0 per tablet · 30 tablets
- 1000 mcg B12, 1000 mcg folic acid and 25 mg vitamin B6, per the product page
- Orange-flavoured tablet that dissolves under the tongue
- 30 tablets per pack, per the product image (EGP 4 per tablet)
Heads-up: It has 1 mg folic acid, the level above which the NHS says folic acid can mask B12 deficiency; do not add another folic acid supplement
Vitamin B complex: when is it a better fit?
A B complex combines all the B vitamins in one tablet. It suits general support, but if a test shows B12 deficiency, a dedicated B12 with a clear dose is more precise.
#5
Vitamin B complex
Limitless Milga Max – 30 tablets
The cheapest B complex here
EGP 248
EGP 8.3 per tablet · 30 tablets
- A vitamin B complex supplement, per the product page
- Bi-layer tablets, per the pack image
- EGP 248 for 30 tablets (EGP 8.3 per tablet)
Heads-up: The B12 amount per tablet is not in the product page summary; if you need B12 specifically, pick a dedicated B12
#6
Vitamin B complex
Organic Nation B Complex – 60 tablets
60 tablets at a fair price for the full B group
EGP 325
EGP 5.4 per tablet · 60 tablets
- A daily supplement with the B vitamins, per the product page
- Supports energy and nutritional balance, per the brand
- EGP 325 for 60 tablets (EGP 5.4 per tablet)
Heads-up: Doses are not in the product page summary; read them on the pack
#7
B-100Imported
Nature’s Way Vitamin B Complex – 60 capsules
An imported high-potency formula with 8 B vitamins
EGP 1,350
EGP 22.5 per capsule · 60 capsules
- 8 B vitamins in a B-100 formula, per the pack image
- Supports energy, nerves and metabolism, per the brand
- 60-capsule bottle
Heads-up: Pricey (EGP 22.5 per capsule), and the B12 amount is not in the page summary
B12 and magnesium bundle
#8
Magnesium + B12Bundle
Smart Recovery Bundle: Magblend + Optimelt B12
If you planned to take magnesium and B12 together
EGP 250350
See size on product page
- Magblend Advance (210 mg elemental magnesium) plus Optimelt B12, per the product page
- EGP 250 for the bundle instead of EGP 350
- Optimelt alone is EGP 100 and Magblend is EGP 250
Heads-up: Only worth it if you need both; if you only need B12, Optimelt alone is cheaper
To pick the right magnesium, see our guide to magnesium types.
Comparison table: sorted by price per tablet
| Product | Type | B12 (mcg) | Count | Price | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avantic Optimelt B12 – 30 tablets | B12 only | 1000 | 30 | EGP 100 | 3.3 |
| Speconditional B12 + Folic Acid + B6 – sublingual | B12 + folic + B6 | 1000 | 30 | EGP 120 | 4.0 |
| Organic Nation B Complex – 60 tablets | B complex | — | 60 | EGP 325 | 5.4 |
| Limitless Milga Max – 30 tablets | B complex | — | 30 | EGP 248 | 8.3 |
| Jarrow Vitamin B12 1000 mcg – 100 tablets | B12 only | 1000 | 100 | EGP 1,300 | 13.0 |
| Natrol Vitamin B12 1000 mcg – 60 tablets | B12 only | 1000 | 60 | EGP 1,350 | 22.5 |
| Nature’s Way Vitamin B Complex – 60 capsules | B complex | — | 60 | EGP 1,350 | 22.5 |
| Smart Recovery Bundle: Magblend + Optimelt B12 | B12 + magnesium | 1000 | — | EGP 250 | — |
How to take a B12 supplement properly
- Test first: the symptoms overlap with many other conditions, and a blood test confirms the deficiency and guides treatment.
- Tablets between meals: as the NHS advises if your doctor prescribes tablets.
- Dose: the NHS says up to 2 mg (2,000 mcg) a day from supplements is unlikely to cause harm; every tablet here is 1000 mcg.
- Sublingual tablets: let the tablet dissolve under your tongue rather than swallowing it.
- If you take a multivitamin: count the B12 and folic acid in it. See our multivitamin guide.
Common mistakes
- Supplementing without a test: it can delay the diagnosis of pernicious anaemia, which needs injections.
- High-dose folic acid on its own: the NHS says more than 1 mg a day can mask the symptoms of B12 deficiency.
- Stopping injections without a doctor: if the cause is not diet, treatment is often ongoing.
- Assuming tiredness is always B12: tiredness has many causes, such as iron deficiency and thyroid problems.
Important safety notes
- If you have neurological symptoms (numbness, balance or memory problems), see a doctor promptly; you may need injections and a haematologist, per the NHS.
- If you take metformin or acid reducers long term, ask your doctor about a B12 test.
- Pregnancy: a doctor should set the folic acid dose, so do not take a high-folic-acid supplement without asking.
- These are food supplements, not treatments, and they do not replace medical follow-up.
Not sure which one?
Beseha pharmacists answer on WhatsApp. Tap the “Ask a pharmacist” button, send your test result and the medicines you take, and they will suggest the right supplement.
FAQ
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Tiredness and weakness, numbness and pins and needles, a sore red tongue, shortness of breath and palpitations, and memory or balance problems, per the NHS. Symptoms develop gradually.
How do I know if I have B12 deficiency?
With a blood test. Per Cleveland Clinic, a doctor may order a complete blood count and a B12 level, and sometimes MMA and homocysteine tests.
Which is better: B12 injections or tablets?
The NHS says injections are the usual treatment, especially when the cause is an absorption problem such as pernicious anaemia. Tablets are mainly used when the deficiency comes from diet. Your doctor decides.
What is the best B12 supplement in Egypt?
If your doctor suggests tablets, Optimelt B12 (1000 mcg, 30 tablets) is the best value here; Speconditional if you also need folic acid; Jarrow or Natrol if you prefer an imported brand.
Is 1000 mcg of B12 too much?
Adults need about 1.5 mcg a day from food, but the NHS says up to 2 mg (2,000 mcg) a day from supplements is unlikely to cause harm.
Who is most at risk of B12 deficiency?
People with pernicious anaemia, vegans, people who had stomach surgery, people with Crohn’s disease, and people taking metformin or acid reducers long term.
When should I take B12?
The NHS advises taking B12 tablets daily between meals. Let sublingual tablets dissolve under your tongue.
The bottom line
Tiredness, numbness, a sore red tongue and memory problems can all point to low B12. Get tested first, and let your doctor choose injections or tablets. For tablets: Optimelt is the best value, Speconditional if you need folic acid, and Jarrow or Natrol if you want an imported brand.
Shop vitamins and minerals at Beseha →
Sources
- NHS: Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia – symptoms
- NHS: Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia – causes
- NHS: Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia – treatment
- NHS: B vitamins and folic acid
- Cleveland Clinic: Vitamin B12 deficiency
This content is for information and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Prices and availability may change; the final price is on the product page.
