The core benefits for Carlson B-12 SL, although not specifically advertised as such by the manufacturer, include support for a healthy cognitive function and nervous system and energy production, enhancement of cardiovascular health, and improvement of red cells formation processes. The manufacturer Carlson Laboratories offers very little overall information on the formula, however various research results on Vitamin 12 are available.
The manufacturer is a U.S. company established in 1965 by the Carlson family. The company’s product portfolio includes a complete line of natural source vitamin E products, fish oils, amino-acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, and various condition-specific products. The company enjoys a vast experience in the dietary supplements industry and has been offered numerous awards for specific products or lines of products.
Carlson B-12 SL comes with a special sublingual delivery system, designed to promote a fast absorption of the nutrient, increased efficacy and easiness of administration. Carlson B-12 SL is a vegetarian formulation.
1) Quick Overview
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, one of the eight included in the B complex. Its core benefits include support for energy production processes, promotion of emotional stability, mental clarity and nervous system health, and red cell formation support.
The sublingual delivery system has become increasingly popular with vitamin B12 because one of the causes of B12 deficiencies results from poor absorption from stomach and intestines. With an under-the-tongue delivery system B12 is absorbed directly into the blood stream and guaranteed superior efficacy.
The roles of Vitamin B12 greatly expand to the brain and the nervous system. Deficiencies can lead to potentially severe and irreversible damage, particularly at the level of the brain and nervous system. Symptoms such as poor memory, depression or extreme fatigue may be experienced. Mood disorders such as postpartum depression or dystimia are more likely to appear when a B12 imbalance is present. Apparently, lack of B12 can increase homocysteine levels in the blood, an amino acid associated to depression symptoms, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
B12, together with another B vitamin (the Folic Acid), help produce red blood cells, which are key to oxygen transportation processes. By continuously supplying red blood cells (which have a limited life span of 120 days), Vitamin B12 promotes optimum oxygenation of cells, and so a normal function of tissues and organs.
2) What’s Inside Carlson B-12 SL?
Carlson B-12 SL includes the following ingredients: Vitamin B-12 (as cyanocobalamin), Sorbitol, mannitol, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, natural lemon flavor, and citric acid.
3) What Does Carlson B-12 SL Do?
Vitamin B12 contained by Carlson B-12 SL is one of the eight B vitamins, with important benefits on the cardiovascular system, nervous and cognitive function, mood and energy production, to mention just a few of its benefits. Vitamin B12 is found in foods such as beef, milk, pork, nuts and seeds, oranges, whole grain cereals, and bread.
Research conducted on Vitamin B12 seems to indicate a link between the vitamin and the activity of essential neurotransmitters Serotonin, Dopamine, and Melatonin. These chemicals work in the brain and are primarily known for regulating mood, maintaining emotional balance and assisting with regular sleep patterns. This is why Vitamin B12 is thought to benefit symptoms of stress and other anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder or panic attacks.
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include irritability, emotional instability, poor memory, restlessness and fatigue among others. It has also been identified in elderly patients who have Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and vascular dementia. Together with Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B9, the vitamin can lower levels of homocysteine in the blood, an amino acid which in increased levels may contribute to ailments such as Alzheimer’s, depression, anxiety disorders, coronary heart disease, stroke or atherosclerosis.
Vitamin B12 is considered safe when taken in the recommended doses, and rarely causes side effects such as diarrhea, itching, blood clots, and allergic reactions. The manufacturer recommends taking one tablet daily, either sublingual or chewed. There are no reviews posted online for Carlson B-12 SL.
4) Carlson B-12 SL: Pros and Cons
- The sublingual delivery system increases efficacy and easiness of administration
- Affordable product (approximately $18 for a 6 months’ supply)
- The benefits of B12 have been heavily researched and are supported by clinical data
- Vegetarian formula
- Free of artificial preservatives and most common allergens
5) Carlson B-12 SL Product Warnings
- Lack of consumer reviews on the formula makes it difficult to assess its effectiveness
- There are some potential side effects for Vitamin B12, although it is considered likely safe
6) Carlson B-12 SL Cost
Carlson B-12 SL is available in bottles of 90 and 180 capsules. The price is slightly superior to other sublingual Vitamin B12. A 180 bottle costs roughly $19 at list price. Various price discounts or other price promotions may lower the price. Online retailers commonly offer discounts on Carlson B-12 SL, hence you may buy the 180 capsules bottle for as little as $10. The product is available for sale on the manufacturer’s website and on numerous other retailers. The company offers the possibility to track product availability at local stores by using a zip code or the name of the city/state.
7) Directions For Taking Carlson B-12 SL
There are no consumer reviews available online for this formula. The recommended dose of Carlson B-12 SL is 1 tablet, placed under the tongue. The tablets may also be chewed. No side effects warnings are issued, however B12 may sometimes cause diarrhea, itching, allergic reactions, and other side effects.
8) Conclusion
Vitamin B12 is an essential B vitamin, without which essential bodily functions would go wrong. Supplementation is recommended in case you have a diet low in B12 (especially vegetarians) or in case the risk of mal-absorption is elevated (especially people over 50 years old). Supplementation with B12 should however not replace the need for medication or counseling, in case you are taking it to help you with particular ailments: depression, cognitive impairing ailments etc. It is always advised you talk to your doctor and decide together which the right treatment path is. There are no consumer reviews referencing Carlson B-12 SL, hence we cannot draw a clear conclusion regarding the formula’s effectiveness.
My doctor recommended that I take B12 supplements because I was feeling tired all the time and I was easily irritated. I have to admit that I was skeptical, but after a couple of weeks I am convinced that these pills work. I’m calmer and almost always in a good mood. I’m going to continue taking Carlson B-12.
I’m a convinced vegetarian for more than 10 years and I recently cut out dairy from my diet. I started feeling dizzy from time to time, and my mind was not as clear as before. I did some research online and talked to a pharmacist who recommended be B-12 SL. My mental fogginess disappeared and I have more energy. I love this product!