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Dietary supplement

B12 Strips 1000 mcg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Essential Source

Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Vitamin
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

B12 Strips 1000 mcg is a dietary supplement by Essential Source with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for treating or preventing b12 deficiency, pernicious anemia, low energy and fatigue.Based on those ingredients, 20 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin B12. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of B12 Strips 1000 mcg by Essential Source

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Essential Source B12 Strips contains one active ingredient: vitamin B12, a water-soluble B vitamin your body needs to make red blood cells, keep your nervous system healthy, and produce DNA. The strips also contain inactive ingredients — hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, glycerin, stevia, modified starch, natural flavor, gum arabic, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, monoglyceride stearate, and menthol — that help form and flavor the strip.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Support for vitamin B12 levels.
  • We looked for evidence on: Vitamin B12 deficiency, Peripheral neuropathy, Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, Diabetic neuropathy, Fatigue, Cognitive function — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Vitamin B12 is rated "Effective" for Vitamin B12 deficiency (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitamin B12 is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, Cognitive function, Diabetic neuropathy, Fatigue, and more.

The facts show vitamin B12 is effective for treating Imerslund-Grasbeck disease (a rare genetic condition affecting B12 absorption) and vitamin B12 deficiency itself. It's listed as likely effective for cyanide poisoning.

For canker sores and postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after shingles), the evidence is possibly effective — meaning it may help, but more research is needed to be sure.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B12

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin B12 is generally very well tolerated and has no established upper limit — your body removes excess in the urine. The most common side effect with injections is a reaction at the injection site; oral forms like these strips rarely cause problems.

Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or hives are rare but possible; in very rare cases, correcting severe B12 deficiency has been linked to serious low potassium levels. B12 is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding at recommended amounts — in fact, it's needed during both.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B12

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Vitamin B12.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 20 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take metformin for diabetes, mention this supplement to your pharmacist — the interaction is minor, but it's good to monitor your B12 levels together. No other interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

These strips work well if you have a B12 deficiency or are at risk for one — especially if you take metformin long-term. B12 is safe for nearly everyone, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you're on prescription medications, run them through the checker below before you start, and talk with your pharmacist if you have a history of allergies to B vitamins or cobalt.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 31, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about B12 Strips 1000 mcg, straight from the product label.

Brand Essential Source
Barcode (UPC) 812986005104
Net contents 30 Fast Dissolving Strip(s); 1.06 Oz(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 31, 2018
DSLD ID 176099
Product type Vitamin
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for B12 Strips 1000 mcg by Essential Source, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Strip(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Strip(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
812986005104
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin B121000 mcg16665%

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, Glycerin, Stevia, modified Starch, Natural flavor, Gum Arabic, Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, Monoglyceride Stearate, Menthol

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Highly bio-available form of B12

Minty fresh breath with Stevia

General Statements

Naturally sweetened

Advanced B12 delivery system

Free Product Offer: Send in 4 proofs of purchase, with receipts, and $3.00 shipping and handling, and we will send you one box for free! Include your email address to be entered in our monthly drawing, to win more free product!

B12 Deficiency May Cause: Fatigue Depression Poor memory Neurological symptoms High homocystiene levels Poor circulation A B12 supplement specifically engineered for performance that fuels your healthy lifestyle. Essential Source strips were designed to have a large surface area. As a result, they absorb almost instantly leaving less room for product waste. With most other sublinguals, consumers have the ability to chew and/or swallow too early, causing under utilization of the ingredients. Another reason they are so popular is just the convenience. It is easier to carry the tiny cassette than some other sublinguals, liquid drops, or sprays. Since B12 is often used for energy, people can take them any time they are in need. This product was manufactured in a GMP approved facility.

Advanced delivery system Increase energy Promote cardio health

Strip B12 Advanced Delivery Oral B12 Sublingual B12 100% 100% Q. Why should I take B12 Strips instead of a pill? A. When you take a vitamin in pill form, any B12 present is absorbed by tiny proteins in the stomach and intestines that bind B12. As a result, only a small percentage of any form of B12 makes it into your bloodstream. B12 Utilization Cyanocobalamin B12 Methylcobalamin 100% 100% Q. Why should I choose Methylcobalamin over Cyanocobalamin B12? A. Methylcobalamin is the most efficient form of B12. Before Cyanocobalamin can be properly utilized by the body, it has to be stripped down in a time consuming, multi-step process. Methylcobalamin is already the most highly reduced form, allowing a high level of benefit.

Formulation

Vegetarian and gluten free

Vegetarian and gluten free

This Product Contains No: Egg; Fish & shellfish; Gluten from wheat, rye, oats, or barely; Milk (including lactose); Peanuts; Tree nuts; and soy.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For best results, allow strip to fully dissolve on tongue, swish fluid throughout entire mouth for 30 seconds making sure to pass fluid under tongue. As a dietary supplement take one to two strips daily.

Precautions

Warning: Do not exceed this amount on a regular basis.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store at 55 to 78 degrees F in a dry place. Keep out of direct sunlight.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to prevent, treat or cure any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General

Item #B122008

See for yourself

B12 Strips 1000 mcg by Essential Source label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in B12 Strips 1000 mcg by Essential Source

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Strip(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Vitamin B12

Interacts with
20 drugs
1000 mcg per serving Form: Methylcobalamin

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient your body needs to make red blood cells, keep nerves healthy, and support DNA. Supplements are very h...

Vitamin B12 monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, Glycerin, Stevia, Modified Starch, Natural flavor, Gum Arabic, Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, Monoglyceride Stearate, Menthol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

B12 Strips 1000 mcg by Essential Source Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against B12 Strips 1000 mcg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
20Drugs
20 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in B12 Strips 1000 mcg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Vitamin B121 drug type · 20 drugs

Metformin (Glucophage)

Metformin, a common medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, has been associated with lower vitamin B12 levels in some individuals. Prolonged use of metformin can interfere with the absorption of B12 in the digestive system, potentially leading to a deficiency in this essential vitamin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for B12 Strips 1000 mcg, from the product label.

Essential Source

See all Essential Source products
Name
Essential Source, Inc.
Street Address
625 Deer Valley Road Suite 103-152
City
Phoenix
State
AZ
ZipCode
85027
Phone Number
(877) 879-9966
Web Address
www.EssentialSource.net
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

B12 Strips 1000 mcg by Essential Source: Common Questions

Does B12 Strips 1000 mcg by Essential Source interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, B12 Strips 1000 mcg has a known interaction with 20 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
B12 Strips 1000 mcg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take B12 strips if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes. B12 is considered likely safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeding at recommended amounts, and it's actually needed during both. Follow your provider's advice on dosing.
What does B12 actually do in my body?
B12 helps you make red blood cells, keeps your nervous system working, and is essential for producing DNA. Without enough of it, you can feel tired, weak, or have nerve problems.
Are there side effects from B12 supplements?
Oral B12 is very well tolerated for most people. Allergic reactions like rash or itching are rare but possible — especially if you have a cobalt allergy. B12 has no upper limit because excess leaves your body in urine.
Can B12 help with canker sores or nerve pain?
The evidence suggests it's possibly effective for both canker sores and postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after shingles), but more research is needed. It's not proven to work for these yet.
I take metformin for diabetes. Should I worry about this product?
Metformin can lower your B12 levels over time, so this strip may actually help. It's a minor interaction, but talk with your pharmacist about whether you need B12 supplementation and how often to check your levels.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if B12 Strips 1000 mcg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

B12 Strips 1000 mcg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

B12 Strips 1000 mcg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 30 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Vitamin B12 30 references
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
  2. Hartman TJ, Woodson K, Stolzenberg-Solomon R, et al. Association of the B-vitamins pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (B6), B12, and folate with lung cancer risk in older men. Am J Epidemiol 2001;153:688-94.. DOI
  3. Jansen T, Romiti R, Kreuter A, Altmeyer P. Rosacea fulminans triggered by high-dose vitamins B6 and B12. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2001;15:484-5..
  4. Lange H, Suryapranata H, De Luca G, et al. Folate therapy and in-stent restenosis after coronary stenting. N Engl J Med 2004;350:2673-81. PubMed
  5. Collin, S. M., Metcalfe, C., Refsum, H., Lewis, S. J., Zuccolo, L., Smith, G. D., Chen, L., Harris, R., Davis, M., Marsden, G., Johnston, C., Lane, J. A., Ebbing, M., Bonaa, K. H., Nygard, O., Ueland, P. M., Grau, M. V., Baron, J. A., Donovan, J. L., Nea
  6. Geissbuhler, P., Mermillod, B., and Rapin, C. H. Elevated serum vitamin B12 levels associated with CRP as a predictive factor of mortality in palliative care cancer patients: a prospective study over five years. J.Pain Symptom.Manage. 2000;20(2):93-103. PubMed
  7. Salles, N., Herrmann, F., Sakbani, K., Rapin, C. H., and Sieber, C. High vitamin B12 level: a strong predictor of mortality in elderly inpatients. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2005;53(5):917-918.
  8. Looker, H. C., Fagot-Campagna, A., Gunter, E. W., Pfeiffer, C. M., Sievers, M. L., Bennett, P. H., Nelson, R. G., Hanson, R. L., and Knowler, W. C. Homocysteine and vitamin B(12) concentrations and mortality rates in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res R
  9. Uhl, W., Nolting, A., Golor, G., Rost, K. L., and Kovar, A. Safety of hydroxocobalamin in healthy volunteers in a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2006;44 Suppl 1:17-28. PubMed
  10. Borron, S. W., Baud, F. J., Barriot, P., Imbert, M., and Bismuth, C. Prospective study of hydroxocobalamin for acute cyanide poisoning in smoke inhalation. Ann Emerg.Med 2007;49(6):794-801, 801. PubMed
  11. Borron, S. W., Baud, F. J., Megarbane, B., and Bismuth, C. Hydroxocobalamin for severe acute cyanide poisoning by ingestion or inhalation. Am J Emerg.Med 2007;25(5):551-558. PubMed
  12. Lewis, J. G. Gout, Steatorrhoea, and Megaloblastic Anaemia. Ann Rheum.Dis 1962;21(3):284-286. PubMed
  13. Tal, S., Shavit, Y., Stern, F., and Malnick, S. Association between vitamin B12 levels and mortality in hospitalized older adults. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2010;58(3):523-526. PubMed
  14. Baztan, J. J., Gavidia, J. J., Gomez-Pavon, J., Esteve, A., and Ruiperez, I. High vitamin B12 levels and in-hospital mortality. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2010;58(11):2237-2238. PubMed
  15. Omboni, E., Checchini, M., and Longoni, F. [Hypopotassemia and megaloblastic anemia. Presentation of a case]. Minerva Med 8-31-1987;78(16):1255-1257.
  16. Aalfs As, Scholvinck LH, Horvath B. Acneiform eruption in a 5-year old due to vitamin B12 supplementation. Eur J Dermatol 2013;23(5):726-7. PubMed
  17. Balta I, Ozuguz P. Vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2014;33(2):94-5. PubMed
  18. Carman KB, Belgemen T, Yis U. Involuntary movements misdiagnosed as seizure during vitamin B12 treatment. Pediatr Emerg Care 2013;29(11):1223-4. PubMed
  19. Djuric V, Bogic M, Popadic AP, et al. Anaphylactic reaction to hydroxycobalamin with tolerance to cyanocobalamin. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2012;108(3):207-8. PubMed
  20. Kartel O, Gulec M, Demirel F, et al. Vitamin B12 allergy and successful desensitization with cyanocobalamin: A case report. Allergol Immunopath (Madr) 2012;40(5):324-5.
  21. Patiroglu T, Unal E, Yildirim S. Infantile tremor syndrome associated with cobalamin therapy: A case report. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2013;115(9):1903-5. PubMed
  22. Schulte S, Barkema LW, Kardaun SH. Long-lasting atypical acneiform eruption with prominent comedones induced by hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12). J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2014;12(6):502-3.
  23. Zanus C, Alberini E, Costa P, et al. Involuntary movements after correction of vitamin B12 deficiency: A video-case report. Epileptic Disord 2012;14(2):174-80. PubMed
  24. Fanidi A, Carreras-Torres R, Larose TL, et al. Is high vitamin B12 status a cause of lung cancer? Int J Cancer. 2019 Sep 15;145(6):1499-1503. PubMed
  25. Fujita Y, Mizukami T, Maya Y, et al. Vitamin B12 allergy manifesting as lymphomatoid contact dermatitis. Eur J Dermatol. 2020;30(3):304-305. PubMed
  26. Dépret F, Hoffmann C, Daoud L, et al. Association between hydroxocobalamin administration and acute kidney injury after smoke inhalation: a multicenter retrospective study. Crit Care. 2019;23(1):421. PubMed
  27. Khairan P, Sobue T, Eshak ES, et al. Association of dietary intakes of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate, and methionine with the risk of esophageal cancer: the Japan Public Health Center-based (JPHC) prospective study. BMC Cancer 2021;21(1):982. PubMed
  28. Evans J, Pandya A, Ding Y, Qunibi WY. Hydroxocobalamin-Induced Oxalate Nephropathy in a Patient With Smoke Inhalation. Kidney Int Rep 2021;6(8):2228-2231. PubMed
  29. Lacombe V, Chabrun F, Lacout C, et al. Persistent elevation of plasma vitamin B12 is strongly associated with solid cancer. Sci Rep 2021;11(1):13361. PubMed
  30. Pegalajar-García MD, Cebolla-Verdugo M, Prados-Carmona Á, Llamas-Segura C, Navarro-Triviño FJ. Systemic allergic dermatitis to cobalt present in cyanocobalamin supplementation. Contact Dermatitis 2023;89(3):203-205. PubMed

See these in context on the Vitamin B12 monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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