When considering whether to take a single supplement like B12 Methylcobalamin or a multivitamin that includes B12, there are several factors to think about:

1. B12 Absorption: Methylcobalamin is the active form of B12 and is often preferred for its superior absorption and retention in the body¹. If the multivitamin contains methylcobalamin as well, it could be a good option.

2. Dietary Gaps: Since you mentioned that your diet is lacking in calories and likely nutrients, a multivitamin could help fill in other potential deficiencies, not just B12. Many multivitamins include a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

3. Dosage Consistency: Ensure that the dosage of B12 in the multivitamin matches what you need to address your borderline deficiency. If the B12 content is the same as the standalone supplement and meets your dietary requirements, a multivitamin might suffice.

4. Additional Nutrients: Multivitamins often provide other nutrients that might be beneficial, such as Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and various B vitamins. If you are deficient or borderline deficient in multiple nutrients, the multivitamin can offer a more comprehensive solution.

5. Cost-Effectiveness: As mentioned, if the price is the same for both the B12 supplement and the multivitamin, opting for the multivitamin could be a more cost-effective way to cover more nutritional bases without additional expense.

Recommendation

Given your borderline deficiency and dietary habits, a multivitamin could be more beneficial, provided that:

• The B12 form is methylcobalamin.
• The dosage of B12 matches what you need.
• You might benefit from the additional nutrients in the multivitamin.

Would you like me to help you find a specific product that meets these criteria on Pillser?

Footnotes

1. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin B12 ↩