Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Methyl B12 Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Ortho Molecular Products

Tablet Or Pill Category: Vitamin
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

Methyl B12 is a dietary supplement by Ortho Molecular Products with 2 active ingredients. 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 Methyl B12 by Ortho Molecular Products

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 2 active ingredients: vitamin B12 (in the methyl form) and folate. B12 is essential for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis; folate supports similar roles in cell division and DNA production.

The remaining ingredients are fillers and binders like isomalt, cane sugar, and silicon dioxide that help form the tablet.

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 and deficiency.
  • We looked for evidence on: Vitamin B12 deficiency, Fatigue, Peripheral neuropathy, Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, Diabetic neuropathy, Hyperhomocysteinemia — and 4 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 "Possibly Effective" for Hyperhomocysteinemia.
  • Also on file: Vitamin B12 is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, Cognitive function, Diabetic neuropathy, Fatigue, and more.

Vitamin B12 is effective for treating B12 deficiency and a rare condition called Imerslund-Grasbeck disease, and it's likely effective for cyanide poisoning. It's possibly effective for canker sores and postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain that lingers after shingles).

We hold no established effectiveness data for folate in our records.

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 well tolerated when taken by mouth. It's very safe overall — your body excretes excess B12 in the urine, so there's no established upper limit.

Allergic reactions like rash or itching are rare but possible, and in one case report, oral B12 triggered a skin reaction in someone with a cobalt allergy. B12 is needed during pregnancy and breastfeeding and is considered safe at normal recommended amounts; follow your provider's guidance on dosing.

We hold no pregnancy or breastfeeding safety data on file for folate.

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, you'll want to discuss this supplement with your pharmacist or doctor — B12 can affect how well you absorb the medication and you may need your blood sugar monitored more closely. No other medication interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check in this product.

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.

This product makes sense if you have low B12 levels or can't absorb B12 well — especially if you take metformin for diabetes, since that drug can lower your B12. If you're on any regular medications, particularly metformin, diabetes drugs, or blood pressure meds, check them with the tool below before you start.

Talk to your pharmacist if you have a cobalt allergy or severe kidney disease.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 25, 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 Methyl B12, straight from the product label.

Brand Ortho Molecular Products
Barcode (UPC) 615033005993
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2018
DSLD ID 174738
Product type Vitamin
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Methyl B12 by Ortho Molecular Products, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
615033005993
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin B125000 mcg83333%
Folate1000 mcg250%

Other ingredients: Isomalt, Cane Sugar, Natural, Croscarmellose Sodium, Potassium Bicarbonate, natural Cherry flavor, Sodium Stearyl Fumarate, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Bilberry fruit extract

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 tablet per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Formulation

Formulated To Be Free Of Allergens Derived From: Gluten, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.

Precautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.

As with all dietary supplements, some individuals may not tolerate or may be allergic to the ingredients used. Please read the ingredient panel carefully prior to ingestion. Cease taking this product and consult your physician if you have negative reactions upon ingestion.

Caution: This product contains a desiccant. For best results, keep the desiccant in the bottle until all contents are consumed. Do not eat desiccant.

Keep out of reach of children.

This product was sealed for your protection. Do not use if outer logoed neck seal or inner-seal is missing or damaged.

Do not accept if label shows signs of tampering

Storage

For best results, keep the desiccant in the bottle until all contents are consumed.

Keep container tightly closed. Store at room temperature.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Quatrefolic is a registered trademark of Gnosis S.p.A. Patents Pending. Quatrefolic

VitaSecure

Because efficacy matters

General

Product #599060 Label ID L-OMP100-599060-C V1

General Statements

Learn more

Essential vitamins

Professional Strength: Not for sale through Amazon.com

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Methyl B12 by Ortho Molecular Products label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Methyl B12 by Ortho Molecular Products

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Vitamin B12

Interacts with
20 drugs
5000 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

Folate

1000 mcg per serving Form: Quatrefolic

Other (inactive) ingredients: Isomalt, Cane Sugar, Natural, Croscarmellose Sodium, Potassium Bicarbonate, Natural Cherry flavor, Sodium Stearyl Fumarate, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Bilberry fruit extract. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Methyl B12 by Ortho Molecular Products Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Methyl B12?

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 Methyl B12 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 Methyl B12, from the product label.

Ortho Molecular Products

See all Ortho Molecular Products products
Name
Ortho Molecular Products, Inc.
Street Address
1991 Duncan Place
City
Woodstock
State
IL
ZipCode
60098
Web Address
OrthoMolecularProducts.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Methyl B12 by Ortho Molecular Products: Common Questions

Does Methyl B12 by Ortho Molecular Products interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Methyl B12 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?
Methyl B12 contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Does B12 actually work, or is it just hype?
It works — but only if you actually have a B12 deficiency. B12 is effective for treating that deficiency and for a rare genetic condition called Imerslund-Grasbeck disease. It's possibly helpful for canker sores and certain nerve pain after shingles, but the evidence there is weaker. If your B12 level is normal, the supplement won't give you energy or other benefits.
Is B12 safe to take long-term?
Yes. B12 is very safe — excess gets flushed out in your urine, so there's no upper limit to worry about. Allergic reactions are rare, but rash or itching can happen in sensitive people. If you have a cobalt allergy, mention it to your pharmacist since B12 contains cobalt.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
B12 itself is considered safe at normal recommended amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding — in fact, it's needed for both. Follow your provider's dosing advice, and they can give you personalized guidance on what's right for you.
I take metformin for diabetes. Is this safe with that?
You need to talk to your pharmacist or doctor about this combination. Metformin can lower your B12 levels, which is why B12 supplementation might actually help — but it can also affect how well you absorb the metformin itself. They may want to monitor your blood sugar more closely.
What's the difference between this and regular B12 supplements?
This one uses methylcobalamin, which is one form of B12. Other supplements use cyanocobalamin. Both forms work, though some people feel they absorb the methyl form better — the science on that isn't definitive. What matters most is that you have a B12 deficiency to begin with.

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

Not sure if Methyl B12 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.

Methyl B12 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Methyl B12'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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