What is the difference between vitamin B12 and other B vitamins: Which one to take?

Vitamin B is the foundation of a healthy body and mind. It boosts your energy levels, improves brain function, and promotes cell metabolism. Any deficit can cause fatigue, poor appetite, sadness, and numbness/tingling in the hands and/or feet, along with fatigue and exhaustion.

According to Dr. Rakesh Pandit Senior Consultant & HOD Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, “Vitamin B complex comprises all 8 vitamins, including vitamin B12, the others being vitamins B1 or thiamine, B2 or riboflavin, B3 or niacin or nicotinic acid, B5 or pantothenic acid, B6 or pyridoxine, pyridoxal or pyridoxamine, B7 or biotin, and B9 or folic acid. B complex, which contains all eight B vitamins, is a wonderful choice if you want a wide range of advantages, whereas B12 may be more appropriate if your aims are to correct a B12 deficit or to boost red blood cell production and nervous system function.”


B vitamins, commonly known as vitamin B complex, are a set of eight vital elements that help your body with metabolism, energy production, brain and nervous system health, and red blood cell development. B12 is a solitary vitamin that promotes red blood cell synthesis and neurological system function, making it particularly advantageous for those with B12 deficits.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin found in animal products, including meat, fish, and dairy. While the body requires only trace amounts of vitamin B12, it is necessary for many biological processes. It is responsible for creating red blood cells and DNA, as well as maintaining nerve cell health, besides playing a role in the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids.

Dr. Sunil Rana, Associate Director and Head of unit III, Internal Medicine, Asian Hospital, says “When it comes to choosing one over the other, it depends on your specific needs. If you are generally healthy and just looking to boost overall energy and metabolism, a vitamin B complex supplement may be the right choice.”
However, if you have been diagnosed with a Vitamin B12 deficiency, or have specific symptoms like extreme fatigue, memory problems, or numbness and tingling, your doctor might recommend Vitamin B12 supplementation.


Older adults and people who adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet with few or no animal products, respectively, are more susceptible to acquiring deficiencies as a result of dietary limitations or impaired absorption and may benefit from B12 supplements.
Vitamin B complex and vitamin B12 supplements provide various health benefits, and the choice between the two is determined by your health goals.