If you’re in the market for a new multivitamin to add to your routine, you may have noticed some supplements being referred to as “sublingual.” The word “sublingual” may sound complicated at first, but all it means is that instead of taking your supplements in more traditional ways, such as pouring a liquid supplement on top of your tongue, dispersing it into a beverage, or swallowing a capsule, you place it directly beneath your tongue to be absorbed through the tissues and into the bloodstream. There are plenty of sublingual vitamins and minerals available to choose from, but some of the most popular supplements of this variety include vitamin B12 and vitamin D, both of which we will discuss in later sections.

So, why are some supplements sublingual and others are not? One of the biggest advantages to taking sublingual vitamins as opposed to solid or liquid supplements is faster and more efficient absorption. Liquid supplements already boast a faster absorption rate than solid options like pills and capsules, which must first be broken down before the nutrients they contain are absorbed. However, studies have shown that taking sublingual vitamins and supplements may result in even faster absorption compared to ordinary liquid supplements (1). If you are someone who struggles to swallow pills or if you have digestive issues that may result in your body’s processing and absorption times being slower, then sublingual supplements may be a good choice for you. Absorbing the nutrients directly into the bloodstream without the need for digestion decreases the risk of a portion of your dosage leaving your body before it can be fully absorbed. Of course, you should always consult with your physician to make sure your supplements are the best and safest option for you and your loved ones.

Read on to learn more about sublingual vitamins, the different varieties of them, the best ways to take them, and how they may be able to benefit your overall health and wellness.

Best Sublingual Vitamins

The best sublingual vitamins may vary depending on which type of vitamin you’re looking to take, but the general idea, much with any supplement, is to look for a product that has high quality ingredients without any unnecessary fillers, sugars, or dyes. Sublingual multivitamins in particular should contain the recommended daily intake of the essential micronutrients your body needs regularly, such as calcium, zinc, iron, B complex vitamins, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, E, and K (2).

One of the most convenient ways to make sure your body receives enough of all the necessary daily vitamins and minerals is to start taking a multivitamin, such as Better Family’s Liquid Daily Multivitamin. Our diverse blend of nutrients includes both the B complex vitamins like B12 and vitamin D along with vitamins A, E, and K, as well as important minerals like zinc, iodine, chromium, and selenium. This all-in-one liquid solution can be consumed sublingually and is more concentrated than other liquid multivitamins, making it the standout choice among competitors for fast absorption of only the highest quality micronutrients. Both safe and effective, our Liquid Daily Multivitamin is a great choice for any household and can be given to family members of all ages.

If you’re more interested in individual supplements instead of multivitamins, read on to learn more about the best sublingual B12 and the best sublingual vitamin D choices.

B12 Sublingual Benefits

As we mentioned, vitamin B12 is one of the most popular choices for sublingual supplements. This may be a result of the host of vitamin B12 sublingual benefits that come from taking this nutrient as a supplement. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the breaking down of foods within the body, converting them to glucose, which then powers cells. The increased metabolic function that comes from having a healthy amount of B12 in your system can create a burst of energy, leading some people to swap in a B12 supplement in place of their afternoon cup of coffee to combat afternoon sluggishness without the need for caffeine or sugars. An assistant to healthy brain function, vitamin B12 also has the ability to heighten your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Since vitamin B12 belongs to the water-soluble category, meaning that it is generally not stored in the body and excess amounts exit fairly quickly, you should not need to worry about any vitamin B12 under tongue side effects as long as you take the supplement as directed. Though uncommon, side effects of consuming excessive amounts of B12 may include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue or tingling in the hands and feet (3). If you experience any of these symptoms while taking a B12 supplement, contact your doctor immediately.

Vitamin B12 Sublingual Dosage

Your vitamin B12 sublingual dosage may vary depending on if you have a deficiency or extenuating circumstances, such as pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should always consult your physician to make sure you’re getting the right amount of this important nutrient from your diet or your supplements. However, the typical recommended intake of vitamin B12 on a daily basis for adults is 2.4 mcg. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may need more on average, with the recommended dose increasing to as much as 2.8 mcg (4).

The best time to take sublingual vitamin B12 is going to be in the morning or the middle of the afternoon. This is because vitamin B12, like many of the other B complex vitamins, assists your body’s metabolism, making it easier to convert food into energy. The energy boost that sublingual vitamin B12 provides can be extremely helpful for kickstarting your morning or helping you finish the day strong. However, your sleep schedule may take a hit if your dosage is taken too late in the evening, close to when you’ll be heading for bed. Try to make it a habit to take your supplements at the same time every day in order to avoid missing doses, adding doses, or consuming them at the wrong times and messing with your typical routine.

How To Take Sublingual Vitamin D

If you’re wondering how to take sublingual vitamin D as well, then you’ve come to the right place! Sublingual vitamin D is best taken after you have eaten a meal containing fat, as this will allow for better absorption. However, you can take it any time of the day along with your other supplements in order to establish a habit. The daily recommended intake for vitamin D is 15 mcg for adults, but this may vary according to age, deficiencies, or calcium-related medical disorders. As to the question, “Is sublingual vitamin D better than pills?” In terms of fast and efficient absorption without the hassle of digestion, yes. If you find that sublingual vitamins are not the right choice for you though, then there are liquid drops and solid options available as well.

Sublingual vitamin D side effects are few and far between as long as you take your supplement as directed and avoid consuming it in excessive quantities. Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, excess amounts will be stored in your body’s fatty tissues and liver, which may cause a build up of vitamin D to occur if it is taken in large amounts over a long period of time. If you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, mood changes, or unusual tiredness while taking your vitamin D supplement, you should seek medical treatment right away (5).

What Are The Best Vitamins To Take After Bariatric Surgery

Another common question is “What are the best vitamins to take after bariatric surgery?” Of course, the best answer to this question will come directly from your physician, who will recommend exactly which supplements to take. But if you’re considering bariatric surgery, then you may be interested in doing a bit of research about different types of sublingual bariatric vitamins. For that purpose, we have provided a gastric bypass vitamins list that also includes some recommended vitamins for other types of bariatric surgeries like gastric sleeve and gastric band (6):

• Gastric bypass surgery: Complete multivitamin, calcium with vitamin D, iron and vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
• Gastric sleeve: Complete multivitamin, calcium with vitamin D, iron and vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
• Gastric band surgery: Complete multivitamin and calcium with vitamin D.

As you can see, bariatric vitamins all-in-one options should most likely include vitamin D, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. Some multivitamins may contain all of these nutrients, but you may need to include individual supplements in your routine as well. Remember to always follow the instructions of your physician first and foremost.

Dissolvable Multivitamins

Dissolving multivitamins in water is another way of consuming supplements that prioritizes faster absorption. Dissolvable vitamins for adults are typically tablets that can be crushed up into a fine powder and added to a glass of water. While this method of taking supplements can provide more efficient absorption than simply taking a solid supplement normally thanks to the ability to skip the digestion step, it’s still less reliable than sublingual or liquid alternatives. Dissolving multivitamins that are not meant to be dissolved may also result in an altered dosage, as the change in physical state may affect the nutrients inside the supplement. 

That being said, dissolvable multivitamins do exist. The best dissolvable vitamins will be those explicitly made to be dissolved, whether in a glass of water or directly in the mouth via saliva. No matter what, keep in mind that you should always follow the instructions found on the supplement’s label or instructions given to you by your physician when taking a supplement.