Yes, methylated B12 can help with hair loss, but mainly when you don’t have enough B12 in your body. If you already get plenty of B12, adding more won’t make your hair grow faster. However, if you’re low on B12, fixing that problem can help your hair grow back healthier and stronger.
This article will teach you how B12 works for your hair, who needs methylated B12 the most, and what you can do to keep your hair healthy.
What Is Methylated B12?
Methylated B12 is a special type of vitamin B12 called methylcobalamin. Your body can use it right away without changing it first.
Regular B12 from many vitamin pills needs your body to change it before it can work. But methylated B12 is already in the right form. This makes it easier for your body to use, especially if you have trouble breaking down vitamins.
Think of it like having food that’s already cooked and ready to eat instead of having to cook it yourself first.
Why Methylated B12 Matters for Your Body
Your body needs B12 for many important jobs:
- Making new red blood cells that carry oxygen everywhere
- Keeping your nerves healthy and working right
- Helping your cells make DNA, which is like an instruction book for your body
- Turning food into energy you can use
When your body has enough B12, all these things work smoothly. When you don’t have enough, problems can start.
How Does B12 Affect Your Hair?
Your hair might not seem alive, but the roots under your skin are very much alive and busy. Hair follicles are some of the fastest-growing cells in your whole body. They divide and make new cells every 23 to 72 hours.
The Connection Between B12 and Hair Growth
B12 helps your hair in three main ways:
Making Red Blood Cells
Your hair follicles need oxygen to grow. B12 helps your body make red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to every part of your body, including your scalp. Without enough oxygen, your hair follicles can’t make strong, healthy hair.
Helping Cells Divide and Grow
Hair follicles need to divide and grow all the time to make new hair. B12 helps with DNA synthesis, which is needed whenever cells divide. If you don’t have enough B12, your hair follicles can’t work as well.
Supporting the Methylation Cycle
This is a bit tricky, but important. Methylation is how your body turns certain nutrients into other things it needs. B12 helps convert a substance called homocysteine into methionine. Methionine helps with hair growth by supporting something called the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which tells your hair follicles when to grow.
Can Low B12 Cause Hair Loss?
Yes, when you don’t have enough B12, you might lose more hair than normal. But it’s not always the main reason for hair loss.
What Happens When You’re Low on B12
When your B12 levels drop too low:
- Your red blood cells don’t work as well
- Less oxygen gets to your hair follicles
- Your hair follicles might go into a “resting” phase too early
- You might notice more hair falling out when you brush or wash your hair
- Your hair might look thinner or weaker
One study found that people with hair loss were more likely to have low B12 levels. However, not everyone with low B12 loses hair, and not all hair loss is caused by low B12.
Signs You Might Be Low on B12
Hair loss isn’t the only sign of low B12. You might also feel:
- Very tired, even after sleeping
- Weak and like you have no energy
- Dizzy or short of breath
- Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
- Trouble thinking clearly or remembering things
- Sad or down more than usual
- A sore, red tongue
If you have several of these signs along with hair loss, it’s time to see your doctor for a simple blood test.
Who Needs Methylated B12 the Most?
Some people have a harder time getting or using regular B12. These people often do better with methylated B12.
People with MTHFR Gene Changes
About 40-60% of people have changes in a gene called MTHFR. This gene helps your body convert regular B12 and folate into forms you can use. If you have this gene change, you might:
- Have trouble using regular B12 supplements
- Need methylated forms of B12 and folate
- Have higher homocysteine levels in your blood
- Be at higher risk for B12 problems
Learn more about why methylated B12 is important for people with MTHFR.
Vegetarians and Vegans
B12 only comes from animal foods naturally. If you don’t eat meat, eggs, or dairy, you’re at high risk for low B12.
Plant foods don’t have B12 unless it’s added to them. Vegans need to take B12 supplements or eat fortified foods to get enough.
Older Adults
As you get older, your stomach makes less acid. You need stomach acid to pull B12 out of food. This means older adults often can’t absorb B12 from food as well.
About 30% of adults over 50 have trouble absorbing B12 from food. Methylated B12 can be easier for older adults to use because it doesn’t need as much stomach acid to work.
People with Digestive Problems
If you have certain gut problems, you might not absorb B12 well:
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Previous stomach or intestinal surgery
- Taking acid-blocking medicines for a long time
- Pernicious anemia (when your body can’t make a protein needed to absorb B12)
For these people, methylated B12 can be easier to absorb and use.
Will Taking Methylated B12 Make Your Hair Grow Back?
If low B12 is causing your hair loss, then yes, taking methylated B12 can help your hair grow back. But you need to know a few important things:
It Takes Time to See Results
Hair grows slowly. Even after you fix your B12 levels, it can take 3 to 6 months before you notice your hair getting better. Sometimes it takes even longer—up to a year.
This is because:
- Hair follicles have a resting phase that lasts 3 to 4 months
- Hair only grows about half an inch per month
- The hair you have now might still fall out before new, stronger hair grows in
Be patient and keep taking your B12 regularly.
You Need to Fix the Root Problem
Just taking B12 won’t help if:
- Your B12 levels are already normal
- Something else is causing your hair loss (like genetics or hormones)
- You’re not absorbing the B12 you take
Talk to your doctor to find out why you’re losing hair. They can test your B12 levels and help you figure out the real cause.
How Much Methylated B12 Do You Need?
The amount of B12 you need depends on your age and situation.
Daily Recommended Amounts
According to the National Institutes of Health:
| Age | Daily Amount |
| Adults (19+) | 2.4 mcg |
| Pregnant women | 2.6 mcg |
| Breastfeeding women | 2.8 mcg |
| Teens (14-18) | 2.4 mcg |
| Children (9-13) | 1.8 mcg |
When You Need More
If you’re low on B12, your doctor might tell you to take more. People fixing a B12 problem often take:
- 1,000 to 2,000 mcg per day until levels get back to normal
- Then 25 to 100 mcg per day to stay healthy
Don’t worry about taking too much. B12 is water-soluble, which means your body gets rid of extra B12 through your pee. Even high doses are safe for most people.
Check out our complete dosage guide for more details.
Where to Get Methylated B12
You can get B12 from food and supplements.
Foods Rich in B12
The best food sources include:
- Beef liver (70.7 mcg per 3 ounces)
- Clams (17 mcg per 3 ounces)
- Fish like salmon, trout, and tuna
- Beef and chicken
- Eggs (especially the yolk)
- Milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Nutritional yeast (for vegans)
Most of these foods don’t contain methylated B12 specifically, but your body can usually convert regular B12 into the methylated form—unless you have trouble with that process.
Learn more about natural B12 sources.
Methylated B12 Supplements
Methylated B12 supplements come in different forms:
Sublingual Tablets
These dissolve under your tongue. The B12 goes straight into your bloodstream without needing to go through your stomach first. This works well for people with absorption problems.
Capsules and Pills
Regular pills that you swallow. These work fine if your digestion is healthy.
Liquid Sprays
Easy to use and absorb quickly. Good for people who don’t like pills.
Injections
For people with serious B12 problems, doctors can give B12 shots. These go straight into your muscle and work very fast.
Our methylated B12 products are designed to be easy for your body to use.
Other Vitamins That Work with B12 for Hair Health
B12 doesn’t work alone. Other vitamins help too:
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin helps make keratin, the protein that forms your hair. Low biotin can cause hair loss, though this is rare.
Folate (Vitamin B9)
Folate and B12 work together in the methylation cycle. Methylated folate works especially well with methylated B12.
Iron
Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen. Low iron is one of the most common causes of hair loss, especially in women.
Vitamin D
Low vitamin D has been linked to hair loss. Your body needs vitamin D for healthy hair follicles.
Can You Take Too Much Methylated B12?
It’s very hard to take too much B12. Your body gets rid of extra B12 through your pee.
There’s no upper limit set for B12 because it’s so safe. Even very high doses (like 5,000 mcg per day) don’t usually cause problems.
Rare Side Effects
A few people might notice:
- Mild skin changes or acne
- Feeling a bit jittery (uncommon)
- Upset stomach (rare)
If you notice any weird symptoms after starting B12, talk to your doctor. But for most people, methylated B12 is very safe.
Learn about possible side effects.
Tips to Support Healthy Hair While Taking B12
Taking methylated B12 is just one part of keeping your hair healthy.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Make sure you’re getting:
- Enough protein (hair is made of protein)
- Healthy fats like omega-3s
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Enough calories (eating too little can cause hair loss)
Manage Your Stress
High stress can push hair follicles into the resting phase early. This causes more hair to fall out. Try:
- Getting enough sleep
- Taking time to relax
- Doing activities you enjoy
- Talking to someone if you feel overwhelmed
Be Gentle with Your Hair
- Don’t pull your hair tight in ponytails or buns
- Use gentle brushes
- Don’t use too much heat from hair dryers or straighteners
- Avoid harsh chemicals
Stay Hydrated
Drink enough water every day. Your hair follicles need water to work right.
Get Regular Check-Ups
See your doctor for blood tests to check your:
- B12 levels
- Iron and ferritin
- Thyroid hormones
- Other nutrients
This helps catch problems early.
What If B12 Doesn’t Help Your Hair Loss?
If you fix your B12 levels but still lose hair, something else might be going on.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
- Genetics: Male and female pattern baldness runs in families
- Hormones: Changes during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid problems
- Stress: Physical or emotional stress can trigger hair loss
- Medicines: Some drugs cause hair loss as a side effect
- Autoimmune conditions: Like alopecia areata
- Other nutrient problems: Iron, zinc, or vitamin D
When to See a Doctor
Talk to a doctor if:
- You’re losing a lot of hair suddenly
- You have bald patches
- Your hair loss doesn’t get better after fixing your B12
- You have other health symptoms
A doctor can figure out what’s really causing your hair loss and help you find the right treatment.
The Difference Between Methylated and Regular B12
You might wonder why methylated B12 is better than regular B12 for some people.
Regular B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
This is the most common form in cheap supplements. Your body needs to convert it into methylcobalamin before it can use it. This works fine for most people, but:
- It takes extra steps
- People with gene changes might not convert it well
- It contains a tiny bit of cyanide (though in safe amounts)
Methylated B12 (Methylcobalamin)
This is already in the active form. Your body can use it right away without converting it. This is better for:
- People with MTHFR gene changes
- Older adults with less stomach acid
- Anyone with absorption problems
- People who want the most natural form
Learn more about the difference.
How Long Before You See Results?
Everyone’s different, but here’s what to expect:
First Month
- You probably won’t see hair changes yet
- You might feel more energy
- Other B12 symptoms might start getting better
2 to 3 Months
- Hair loss might slow down
- You might notice less hair in your brush
- Your scalp might feel healthier
3 to 6 Months
- You should see some new hair growth
- Your hair might look thicker
- The texture might improve
6 to 12 Months
- Noticeable improvement in hair thickness
- Stronger, healthier hair
- Better overall hair quality
Remember, hair grows about half an inch per month. Be patient and keep taking your B12 every day.
Can Methylated B12 Prevent Hair Loss?
If you already have healthy B12 levels, taking more won’t prevent normal hair loss. But keeping your B12 levels good is smart for your overall health.
Prevention Tips
- Get enough B12 in your diet
- Take supplements if you’re at risk for low B12
- Get your levels checked regularly, especially after age 50
- Take methylated B12 if you have MTHFR changes
Think of B12 like putting gas in your car. If your tank is full, adding more won’t make your car run better. But if your tank is low, filling it up makes a big difference.
Special Considerations for Different Groups
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Pregnant women need extra B12 (2.6 mcg per day). If you don’t get enough, your baby might not get enough either. Methylated B12 is safe during pregnancy when taken as directed.
People on Certain Medicines
Some medicines can lower your B12:
- Metformin (for diabetes)
- Acid blockers like omeprazole
- Some antibiotics
If you take these, ask your doctor about B12 supplements.
Athletes and Active People
Exercise is great, but very intense training can use up B12 faster. Athletes with poor diets might need extra B12. However, if you already get enough, more B12 won’t boost your energy or performance.
Myths About B12 and Hair Loss
Let’s clear up some wrong ideas:
Myth 1: More B12 Always Means More Hair
Not true. If your levels are normal, extra B12 won’t make your hair grow faster or thicker.
Myth 2: B12 Works Instantly
Wrong. It takes months to see results because hair grows slowly.
Myth 3: Only B12 Matters for Hair
False. You need many nutrients for healthy hair. B12 is just one piece of the puzzle.
Myth 4: All B12 Supplements Work the Same
Not quite. Methylated B12 works better for people who have trouble converting regular B12.
Myth 5: You Can’t Get Too Much B12
Mostly true, but very high doses might cause mild side effects in rare cases.
Simple Steps to Start Helping Your Hair Today
Ready to try methylated B12? Here’s what to do:
- Talk to Your Doctor
- Get a blood test to check your B12 levels
- Rule out other causes of hair loss
- Get advice on the right dose for you
- Choose a Quality Supplement
- Look for methylcobalamin (methylated B12)
- Check that it has a good amount (1,000-2,000 mcg for fixing a deficiency)
- Choose a trusted brand
- Take It Consistently
- Take your B12 every day
- Sublingual works best on an empty stomach
- Learn the best time to take it
- Eat B12-Rich Foods
- Add more fish, meat, eggs, or dairy
- Try fortified foods if you’re vegan
- Explore foods with methylated B12
- Be Patient
- Mark your calendar for 3 months from now
- Take photos to track your progress
- Don’t expect overnight results
- Support Overall Hair Health
- Eat a balanced diet
- Manage stress
- Get enough sleep
- Be gentle with your hair
Final Thoughts
Methylated B12 can help with hair loss, but only if you’re low on B12 or have trouble using regular B12. It’s not a magic pill that works for everyone.
If you’re losing hair, the first step is finding out why. A simple blood test can tell you if low B12 is the problem. If it is, methylated B12 can help your hair grow back stronger and healthier—but you’ll need to be patient.
For most people, getting enough B12 through food or regular supplements is enough. But if you have MTHFR gene changes, digestive problems, or you’re vegan or older, methylated B12 might work better for you.
Remember that healthy hair comes from taking care of your whole body. Eat well, manage stress, and make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need—not just B12.
If you’re ready to try methylated B12, check out our high-quality methylated B12 supplements designed for maximum absorption. And if you want to learn more about how methylated B12 works in your body, visit our benefits page.
Taking care of your hair starts with taking care of your health. Methylated B12 can be one helpful tool in your healthy hair toolkit.