Can I Take Vitamin B12 on an Empty Stomach?

Wondering when to take Vitamin B12? Learn why taking it on an empty stomach helps with energy, cognitive health, and ensures better absorption.

By WOWMD Staff

Updated onJuly 16, 2025

Medically reviewed by RDN's

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Photo credit: © Shutterstock / An image showing consumption of B12 supplement.

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient as it plays a significant role in ensuring the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, cognitive health, and many more. Hence, there is a need to supplement the body with vitamins. Health-conscious individuals always have a routine of vitamins and other nutrients to ensure the body functions optimally.

However, a few of the questions people ask to ensure effectiveness and vitamin B12 deficiency include, “What is the best time to take vitamin b12 tablets?”, “Can I take vitamin B12 on an empty stomach?” People are mostly confused about the best time to take vitamin B12, whether morning or night.

If you are in this situation, you are in the right place. This article will explore the benefits, dosage, and best time to take vitamin B12.

Key Takeaways

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is not stored in the body, and it can only be taken with water.
Taking vitamin B12 on an empty stomach is recommended since it helps avoid any nutrient interaction that can inhibit absorption.
Vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal foods; therefore, a plant diet might not provide enough vitamin B12.
While vitamin B12 is safe to use, B12 used in treating deficiency might cause side effects, especially when taken in higher doses.

Benefits of Taking Vitamin B12 on an Empty Stomach

If you have ever asked the question, can I take vitamin B12 on an empty stomach? The following benefits of taking vitamin B12 early in the morning will convince you:

Energy Boost

According to research, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to reduced energy and exhaustion. On the other hand, a study published in the National Library of Medicine revealed that supplementing vitamin B12 will help improve physical performance and alleviate fatigue.

This means taking your vitamin B12 on an empty stomach in the morning will help you get your day started full of energy.

First Banner of WOWMD B-12 Complex Liquid

*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

Improved Cognitive Function

Since vitamin B12 benefits are associated with improved cognitive function, taking the B12 supplement early in the morning will improve brain function and mood.

In addition, another study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information also concluded that vitamin B12 plays a significant role in the nervous system, namely myelin synthesis, nerve metabolism, and neuronal regeneration. This means that you get to navigate your day with enhanced mental function.

Maximize Absorption

Taking vitamin B12 on an empty stomach is an ideal way to get the best of the vitamin in your diet. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, passive absorption of vitamin B12 is higher when taken on an empty stomach than when taken together with food.

This is mostly because certain nutrients in food might inhibit the complete absorption of vitamin B12. Therefore, it is always advisable to take in the morning before you have any meal.

Consistency

One of the most underrated benefits of taking vitamin B12 on an empty stomach is being able to stay consistent. You are able to take the vitamin supplement before you become engrossed in daily activities, which can easily make you forget your vitamin routine.

Dr. Sarah Ballantyne offers valuable insights on the best practices for taking Vitamin B12 to maximize its benefits, stating:

Taking Vitamin B12 on an empty stomach may be beneficial for absorption in some individuals, particularly for those with low stomach acid. However, if you experience nausea or stomach upset, consider taking it with a meal for better comfort.

Understanding Vitamin B12 Absorption

There are three transport proteins involved in moving and absorbing vitamin B12: intrinsic factor (IF), haptocorrin (HC), and transcobalamin (TC). Each of these proteins has its membrane receptors.

Certain archaeons and bacteria are known to help synthesize vitamin B12, which eventually accumulates in animal tissues. While the production is rare in plants, certain mushroom species and plants can synthesize B12 through microbial interaction. This explains why a large source of B12 is from animal foods.

B12 becomes protein-bound when humans consume animal foods. However, B12 is detached from the protein when the protein-B12 complex is transported to the stomach.

The detachment is caused by acids and enzymes secreted in the stomach. Next, an R-protein, also called cobalophilin, haptocorrin, and transcobalamin I, transports the B12 from the stomach to the small intestine. R-protein is present in body fluids like saliva and stomach secretions, and it also picks up corrinoids.

Middle Banner of WOWMD B-12 Complex Liquid

*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

Another protein the stomach cells produce is the intrinsic factor (IF), which also travels to the small intestine. Once the R-protein complex reaches the small intestine, the pancreas produces enzymes that separate the corrinoid from the R-protein.

However, out of the separated corrinoids, only the cobalamin is attached to the intrinsic factor. Then, the intrinsic factor transports the cobalamin into the ileum, the last section of the small intestine.

The ileum has a cell lining featuring receptors for the cobalamin-IF complex. This complex shields the cobalamin so bacterial and digestive enzymes do not degrade it.

In addition, the receptors ensure that cobalamin is absorbed before non-cobalamin corrinoids. Aside from the IF mechanism, absorption of 1-3% of B12 from normal food sources happens through passive diffusion.

In this video, Dr. Mike explains the importance of Vitamin B12 and how your body absorbs it, from intrinsic factor and ileal absorption to its crucial roles in overall health.

Vitamin B12 | Absorption and Function (Video Credit: Dr Matt & Dr Mike)

Vitamin B12 Side Effects

Aside from asking questions like, “Can I take vitamin B12 on an empty stomach?” you might also want to know whether it has any side effects. Vitamin B12 can cause side effects, especially when taken to treat deficiency. Following are some vitamin B12 side effects:

Dizziness
Headache
Mild diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Vein thrombosis
Skin rash
The sensation of swelling and many more

How Much Vitamin B12 Should You Take Daily?

The recommended daily amount of B12 is dependent on factors like age, medical conditions, diet, and other factors. The recommended daily intake is 2.4 mcg. However, vitamin B12 supplements are sold in doses between 5 to 25 mcg and 500 mcg to 1000 mcg. Higher doses are mostly considered; however, the body will only absorb the amount it needs.

Final Banner of WOWMD B-12 Complex Liquid

*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 deficiency may include numbness in hands and feet, dementia, confusion, and many others. These are symptoms no one wants to deal with; therefore, it explains why many don’t joke about taking vitamin B12.

However, to maximize absorption, many still ask questions like “Can I take vitamin b12 on an empty stomach?” This article has explored the different benefits of taking vitamin B12 on an empty stomach, dosage, and the science behind absorption of the vitamin. Understanding these will help ensure you are able to avoid any vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.

FAQs

What is the best time to take b12?

The best time to take B12 is in the morning on an empty stomach.

Can you take b12 at night?

Although you can take B12 at night, however since it helps with energy production, which can disrupt your sleep, it is advisable to take it in the morning.

Is vitamin B12 safe to take?

Yes, vitamin B12 is safe to take; however, you need to ensure you are taking the recommended doses.

Can b12 make you nauseous?

Yes, B12 can make you nauseous, especially when taken at a higher dose.

Is it safe to take b12 supplements daily?

As long as you are within the recommended dosage, the Vitamin B12 supplement is safe to take daily.