I understand to take B-12 on an empty stomach.
I am wanting to know what time to allow after I've taken it, before eating or drinking?
I am taking a liquid form.

Thanks for any guidelines.

At least 1/2 to 1 hr. Most average stomach emptying is 20min.
But it can be delayed to 1 hr in some. So 1 hr is the ideal time.

Presence of food will hinder or completely block the microgram absorption of the B12 in the intestine.(this is for people dependent on the passive form of absorption---those with good intrinsic factor may be less sensitive to this rule).

mrsD, question in regards to your reply.
I have taken B12 sublinguals in the past 3 weeks after a meal. as I understood from you, it's considered oral because the saliva is swallowed with the b12 dissolved in the mouth.
Nevertheless, my body seems to receive the B12 because my symptoms have improved.

Can I conclude my intrinsic factor is good and the presence of food doesn't hinder absorption?

Thanks.

Yes, you may have intact intrinsic factor. It will latch onto the B12 and carry it to the intestine for transcobalamin to pick it up.

People with no acid in the stomach or intrinsic factor, are dependent on passive absorption only, so large amounts of B12 have to be present in the intestine.

You should get another test in about 3 months to see how far your levels have come up. I got my level up very high (1999) with 5mg a day... but I didn't start at a low level. I average around 800pg/ml. I was checking the new methylB12 that Puritan's Pride started to sell...I wanted to see if it really worked before suggesting it to others. When you start really low, the B12 will be sent to high priority locations, like the spinal cord and brain, and bone marrow. Also if the liver has exhausted its storage, it will keep some with every dose.

Stop using any B12 orally or injectable at least 5 days before any blood testing.

Alright, thanks you very much