Sourcing B12 injections?

[Crumplestiltskin]

I've been using b12 (hydroxocobalamin or methylcobalamin) ampoules for a few years, as a very necessary support for chronic conditions. Because of tariffs and custom issues, all the euro pharmacies I had been buying from stopped selling to the US. I'm looking for another source, and wanted to ask here.

 

[Calm Logic]

South Korean B-12 is arguably the most trustworthy for pharma grade, better than compounded in the US and more trustworthy for sterility, endos, etc. than the small Indian pharma companies that provide B-12 for export.

Ocean Pharmaceutical (a small company in India) is becoming popular for testing well for BAC (including for sterility and endos), so their B12 may be trustworthy for sterility. They at least sell cyanocobalamin ampules. But the testing needs to be repeated, and the B12 isn't being tested at all. So I would still be more comfortable with something from Korea.

But the research shows that the oral supplements can be just as good as B12 shots in the long term. The shots are more for acute/severe cases. At least in the US, most docs will order B12 bloodwork upon request.

 

[LabRatBarbie]

South Korean B-12 is arguably the most trustworthy for pharma grade, better than compounded in the US and more trustworthy for sterility, endos, etc.

Do you have a recommendation

 

[RosebudFox]

I just ordered some from Soma Chems, but I don't know if the quality is comparable to the above mentioned.

 

[FartfulCodger]

I don't know if cyanocobalamin is an option for you. If so, I'll make a suggestion that might be a little controversial: Durvet Maxi-B 1000

The catch is that it's made for farm animals. However, if you read Amazon reviews, you'll find that it's mostly taken by humans, some at the suggestion of their doctor. It's cheap. I've been using it for over a month.

 

[Calm Logic]

some at the suggestion of their doctor. It's cheap

That brings up another possibility. Just getting a doc to prescribe the B12 vials, which are dirt cheap with GoodRx, like $1 each for single-dose vials (if buying at least six).

I used to get B12 shots at the doc, but I didn't like waiting a half hour for a quick shot. And they didn't seem to help anyway since my B12 was already at least high normal.

 

[Crumplestiltskin]

South Korean B-12 is arguably the most trustworthy for pharma grade, better than compounded in the US and more trustworthy for sterility, endos, etc. than the small Indian pharma companies that provide B-12 for export.

Ocean Pharmaceutical (a small company in India) is becoming popular for testing well for BAC (including for sterility and endos), so their B12 may be trustworthy for sterility. They at least sell cyanocobalamin ampules. But the testing needs to be repeated, and the B12 isn't being tested at all. So I would still be more comfortable with something from Korea.

But the research shows that the oral supplements can be just as good as B12 shots in the long term. The shots are more for acute/severe cases. At least in the US, most docs will order B12 bloodwork upon request.

I'll definitely give the oral supplements a try. I have pretty strong needs for B12, so the injections have been super helpful and fast acting. But if a supplement has enough bioavailabilty, I'll do that.

 

[Camlbacker]

Oxford Biosciences UK has methylcobalamin for a very reasonable price (32 BP per 40mg vial). I spend about $130-40 typically for three vials including shipping and that's enough to last me over a year.