Description

What it is Each lozenge contains 2,000 mcg of vitamin B12 as hydroxocobalamin, sweetened with xylitol and flavoured with black cherry. You let it dissolve slowly, then swallow. The maker suggests half a lozenge a day for the first week, and not taking it within five hours of bed. One bottle is 60 lozenges.

Why B12 comes up after 50 Australia’s recommended intake is 2.4 mcg a day for all adults, and almost all of it comes from animal foods. Australian guidelines note that B12 in food may be less available to the substantial number of older adults with low stomach acid (atrophic gastritis). They suggest that group may need B12-rich foods, fortified foods or a supplement.

What it isn’t B12 is not a memory supplement. A 12-month trial in people over 75 who already had low B12 found that daily supplements didn’t improve memory or nerve function. A deficiency is real and worth treating, and it’s diagnosed with a blood test, so start with your GP.

Sources: NHMRC Nutrient Reference Values – Vitamin B12 (eatforhealth.gov.au); Dangour et al. 2015, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

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