Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Vitamins
Nutritional Enhancers
68-19-9
C₆₃H₈₈CoN₁₄O₁₄P
$32.51 ~ $48.77
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/carton
One unit of:25kg/carton
25kg/carton
Product Info
What is Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)?
Cyanocobalamin is the synthetic and most stable form of Vitamin B12, an essential water-soluble vitamin widely used as a dietary supplement and food fortifier to support nerve function and the production of red blood cells.
How is Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microbial Fermentation | Cultivate a selected B12-producing microorganism (e.g., Pseudomonas denitrificans) in a large-scale, sterile bioreactor filled with a nutrient-rich medium. | Control of temperature, pH, aeration, and agitation is critical for microbial growth. Key precursors, especially a cobalt source, must be added to the medium to enable B12 synthesis. |
| 2 | Cell Harvesting & Lysis | Separate the microbial cells from the fermentation broth and then break open the cell walls to release the intracellular cobalamins (B12 variants). | Harvesting is done by centrifugation or filtration. Cell lysis is achieved by heat treatment or acidification, ensuring maximum release of the target molecule from the biomass. |
| 3 | Conversion to Cyanocobalamin | Treat the lysate with a cyanide source (e.g., potassium cyanide) to convert the naturally produced cobalamins into the highly stable cyanocobalamin form. | This is a critical chemical conversion step. The addition of cyanide must be precisely controlled for safety and to ensure complete conversion, as this form is preferred for its stability in supplements and pharmaceuticals. |
| 4 | Primary Purification | Remove solid cell debris, proteins, and other large impurities from the crude cyanocobalamin solution. | The solution is clarified using techniques like filtration and centrifugation. This step prepares the solution for more refined purification by removing interfering substances. |
| 5 | Chromatographic Purification | Isolate and concentrate the cyanocobalamin from smaller soluble impurities using adsorption chromatography. | The solution is passed through columns containing adsorbent materials like ion-exchange resins or activated carbon. The process is monitored to selectively bind and then elute the B12, achieving high purity. |
| 6 | Crystallization | Precipitate the highly purified cyanocobalamin from the concentrated solution to form pure, dark red crystals. | Crystallization is induced by adding a solvent (like acetone) and controlling the pH and temperature. This step effectively removes final trace impurities that remain soluble. |
| 7 | Drying & Milling | Wash and dry the cyanocobalamin crystals to remove residual solvents, and then mill the product to a specified particle size. | Drying is often performed under a vacuum at low temperatures to prevent thermal degradation. Milling ensures a uniform, fine powder that meets final product specifications for handling and formulation. |
| 8 | Quality Control & Packaging | Perform final analysis on the product to ensure it meets pharmacopeial standards (e.g., USP, EP) and package it appropriately. | Testing confirms identity, purity (assay >96%), and absence of impurities. The product must be packaged in light-resistant, airtight containers as cyanocobalamin is sensitive to light and moisture. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 68-19-9 |
| Chemical Formula | C₆₃H₈₈CoN₁₄O₁₄P |
| Solubility | sparingly soluble in water (≈1 g/80 mL), insoluble in ethanol/acetone |
| Storage Conditions | 2‑8 °C, dry, dark |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
food fortification
dietary supplements
pharmaceuticals (anemia treatment)
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutrient Fortificant; Processing Aid; Color Stabilizer |
| Key Ingredients | Cyanocobalamin |
| Mechanism of Action | Acts as a cofactor for enzymes (methionine synthase and L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase) essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and fatty acid/amino acid metabolism. In specific applications (e.g., processed meats), it can function as an oxygen scavenger or reducing agent, stabilizing the nitrosyl-heme complex responsible for the cured pink color. |
| Application Effect in Product | Provides nutritional fortification to address dietary gaps in products like cereals, plant-based milks, and energy drinks. In certain cured meat systems, it can enhance and stabilize the pink color, potentially reducing reliance on nitrites and preventing color fading upon exposure to light and oxygen. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyanocobalamin | Synthetic Vitamin B12 | Synthetic form bound to a cyanide molecule; requires metabolic conversion to become active. | Most stable form with the longest shelf life; highly cost-effective and widely studied. | Requires a multi-step conversion process in the body which can be inefficient for some individuals; contains a trace cyanide molecule. | General supplementation, multivitamins, and fortified foods where cost and stability are priorities. | For a budget-friendly, stable, and widely available B12 source for general wellness. |
| Methylcobalamin | Active Coenzyme Vitamin B12 | A naturally occurring, active form with a methyl group; does not require conversion for its primary functions. | Bioactive and readily used by the body, especially for neurological function; may have better retention. | Less stable (especially to light) and more expensive than cyanocobalamin. | Supporting neurological health, lowering homocysteine levels, and for individuals with MTHFR genetic variations. | For a bioactive form that bypasses conversion steps, particularly for brain and nerve support. |
| Adenosylcobalamin | Active Coenzyme Vitamin B12 | A naturally occurring, active form primarily found and used in the mitochondria. | Bioactive form crucial for cellular energy production (ATP synthesis) from fats and proteins. | Less common as a standalone supplement; more expensive and less stable than cyanocobalamin. | Supporting mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, and muscle health. Often combined with methylcobalamin. | To specifically target cellular energy production and metabolic pathways within mitochondria. |
| Hydroxocobalamin | Natural Precursor Vitamin B12 | A natural form that the body converts into both methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. | Remains in circulation longer than other forms; commonly used for injections; does not introduce a cyanide molecule. | Much less common and more expensive as an oral supplement; primarily used for injections. | Injectable treatment for severe B12 deficiency; individuals with cyanide sensitivity or detoxification issues. | For a long-acting, injectable form that provides a natural precursor to both active B12 types. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
CoA, technical sheets
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications