120 lozenges; current manufacturer formula adds 5-MTHF · UPC 733739004932
NOW Methyl B-12 5,000 mcg is a high-strength B12-plus-folate lozenge, not a B12-only option. The current label lists 680 mcg DFE of folate from 400 mcg of 5-MTHF, but the seller's listing for the 120-lozenge bottle shows an older folic-acid formula. Ask the seller to confirm the bottle's Supplement Facts and ingredient panels before ordering.
If you suspect B12 deficiency, especially with nerve-related symptoms, seek medical evaluation rather than self-treating. NIH guidance notes that metformin and acid-suppressing medicines can affect B12 status. Ask your clinician whether B12 testing is appropriate, and do not change prescribed medicines on your own.
NOW's current product page lists a one-lozenge serving with 5,000 mcg of vitamin B12 and 680 mcg DFE of folate, supplied by 400 mcg of (6S)-5-MTHF, branded Quatrefolic. DFE means dietary folate equivalents. The label does not mean that the lozenge contains 680 mcg of folic acid.
The current ingredient list includes xylitol, citric acid, stevia and monk fruit. NOW's directions say to take one lozenge with a meal and either chew it or let it dissolve.
Why you need to check the seller's bottle
HerbsPro's listing matches the 120-lozenge count and UPC 733739004932, but its table lists 400 mcg of folic acid, with fructose and sorbitol among the other ingredients. That differs from NOW's current 5-MTHF formula and ingredient list.
The listing does not confirm which version will ship. Ask for photos of the Supplement Facts and full ingredient list on the bottle the seller would send. If you want B12 without added folate, neither of these listed formulas meets that preference.
What the high dose means
The adult recommended dietary allowance for B12 is 2.4 mcg, according to the NIH vitamin B12 fact sheet. A 5,000 mcg lozenge is a high amount, not a routine requirement. B12 has no established upper intake limit, but that does not mean everyone needs this amount or that a larger percentage of the Daily Value is better.
Evidence does not establish better absorption from the methyl form of B12 than from other supplemental forms. Sublingual use, meaning dissolving B12 under the tongue, has not been shown to work better than swallowing it. Extra B12 also has not been shown to improve energy in people whose B12 status is already adequate.
For a B12-only comparison at the same stated strength, see Jarrow Methyl B-12 5,000 mcg. It has no added folate, but it is still a high-strength product rather than a routine daily requirement.
Our editorial assessment
Supplement Explained Score
56/100
Five equally weighted criteria. This is an editorial assessment, not customer stars or a measure of medical effectiveness.
Label clarity 3/5
NOW's current amounts are clear, but the same-UPC merchant still lists an older folic-acid/sweetener formula. The review distinguishes both rather than presenting them as one confirmed shipped label.
Research relevance 3/5
B12 and folate have established nutrient roles, but the methyl forms and sublingual presentation do not establish superior outcomes or a need for this high amount.
Safety and cautions 3/5
High-strength B12, added folate and the lozenge ingredients require an actual need and total-intake review. Symptoms suggesting deficiency are not a reason to skip assessment.
Testing and quality checks 2/5
A manufacturer study of competing B12 brands is not an independently matched report for this finished lot. No such lot record was verified here.
Value for money 3/5
The $25.67/120 offer is about $0.214 per label lozenge, but the unresolved formula version and added folate limit a simple price-based choice.
Based on published labels and the sources in this review. We did not buy, personally use or laboratory-test this product. Limited testing documentation is not evidence of contamination.
