Description:

Spring Valley Timed Release Vitamin B12 is a dietary supplement providing high-potency vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) in a timed-release formula. It supports energy metabolism (helps convert food to energy), red blood cell formation, nervous system health, cardiovascular function, and immune support. The “value size” typically refers to larger bottle counts like 300 tablets (for extended supply, e.g., ~10 months at 1/day) or sometimes 60-250 counts. It’s popular as an affordable, gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly option for those with low B12 intake (e.g., vegetarians, older adults, or absorption issues), commonly available via import/online in markets like Ghana.

Prescription:

Over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement. No prescription required, but consult a doctor or pharmacist before use, especially if you have health conditions, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or suspect B12 deficiency (blood test recommended for accurate dosing).

Therapeutic Category:

Vitamin Supplement / B-Complex (specifically Vitamin B12 / Cobalamin for Energy Metabolism, Nervous System, and Hematologic Support).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin) – 1,000 mcg (1 mg) per tablet. Other ingredients (excipients, approximate from product listings): Dicalcium phosphate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (for timed-release coating), microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, starch. Contains 2% or less of these; free of gluten, sugar, lactose, artificial colors/flavors in most formulations.

Vitamins:

• Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) – 1,000 mcg (far exceeds daily RDA of ~2.4 mcg for adults, designed for better absorption via timed release).

Minerals: None (no added minerals like calcium or magnesium beyond trace excipients).

Variant:

• Standard timed-release: 1,000 mcg per tablet (value size often 300 count bottle). Other Spring Valley B12 variants include fast-dissolve (e.g., 5,000 mcg sublingual/cherry flavor), gummies, or lower/higher strengths (e.g., 100 mcg or 2,500 mcg in different forms), but the queried timed-release value size is the 1,000 mcg extended-release tablet in bulk packs.

Consume Type:

Oral – Tablet (swallow whole with water; timed-release coating means do not crush/chew to preserve gradual release).

Directions/Usage:

Take 1 tablet daily, preferably with a meal or as directed by a healthcare professional. The timed-release formula allows gradual absorption over hours for sustained benefits. Suitable for adults; consistent daily use recommended for ongoing support. Do not exceed unless advised (high doses are common but unnecessary for most without deficiency).

Common Side Effects:

Vitamin B12 is generally very safe (water-soluble; excess excreted in urine), even at high doses like 1,000 mcg. Rare/mild side effects may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Weakness/fatigue
• Tingling in hands/feet (paresthesia, usually from very high doses or injections) Allergic reactions (rash, itching) are uncommon. No major toxicity reported; side effects are minimal compared to other vitamins.

Package Type:

Plastic bottle with child-resistant cap (value size typically 300 tablets; smaller options like 60 count available). Often includes a desiccant packet for freshness.

Storage Advice:

Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature (below 25-30°C), away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Consult a doctor before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, have pernicious anemia, gastrointestinal issues affecting absorption, or are on medications (e.g., metformin, proton pump inhibitors may reduce natural B12).
• Not a substitute for medical treatment of diagnosed B12 deficiency (injections may be needed for severe cases).
• High doses safe for most, but get levels tested if symptoms persist (e.g., fatigue, numbness).
• Keep out of reach of children; excessive intake unlikely to cause harm but unnecessary.

Product Substitutes:

Similar timed-release or high-potency B12 supplements available (including in Ghana via online importers like Ubuy or local pharmacies):

• Nature Made Vitamin B12 Timed Release
• Now Foods or Puritan’s Pride B12 (1,000 mcg or higher)
• Local generics or brands like Neurobion (B-complex with B12), Beceze, or imported fast-dissolve options (e.g., Spring Valley 5,000 mcg sublingual).
• For deficiency: Cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin injections (prescription). Consult a pharmacist in Accra for availability/pricing.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Spring Valley (a private label brand of Walmart Inc., manufactured by various FDA-compliant facilities, often in the USA or contracted partners).

Country of Origin:

United States (USA)