Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) dosage

Vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin, levels are measured precisely to determine the content of this essential water-soluble vitamin in fortified foods, nutraceuticals, and plant-based products. A key vitamin for metabolism, it plays a role in red blood cell formation, neurological function, DNA synthesis, and homocysteine ​​regulation. A B12 deficiency can lead to serious health problems, particularly in vegetarians, vegans, the elderly, and those with malabsorption. Analytical testing is therefore essential to validate product fortification and ensure compliance with nutritional claims.

Available methods: LC-MS/MS and microbiology

YesWeLab offers two analytical approaches for the quantification of vitamin B12:

• Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the reference method, allows precise and specific quantification, even at low concentrations, in complex matrices.
• The microbiological method, still used in some regulations or in the context of interlaboratory comparisons, is based on measuring the growth of a specific microorganism in the presence of B12.

The LC-MS/MS method is preferred for its sensitivity, reproducibility and ability to distinguish the different forms of cobalamins (cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin…).

Why measure vitamin B12 levels?

Vitamin B12 dosage is crucial for:

• Check the fortification of food products or supplements in accordance with the authorized nutritional claims (INCO regulation, EFSA claims, etc.)
• Ensuring a sufficient intake of vitamin B12 in formulations intended for at-risk populations (vegetarians, vegans, seniors, etc.)
• Controlling the stability of vitamin B12 in complex formulations (plant-based products, plant-based drinks, multivitamins)
• Ensuring the quality of raw materials or active ingredients, particularly in organic or natural productions
• Prepare technical dossiers for the marketing of nutraceutical, dietary or cosmetic products

Affected matrices

Vitamin B12 levels can be measured in a wide range of matrices:

• Dietary supplements (capsules, tablets, powders, syrups)
• Fortified plant-based drinks (almond milk, soy milk, oat milk…)
• Food products: cereals, bars, meal replacements
• Functional ingredients or plant extracts
• Enriched cosmetic products (revitalizing treatments, hair lotions)
• Raw materials based on microorganisms (yeasts, algae, ferments)

A rigorous extraction is performed according to the matrix to release the B12 bound to proteins or encapsulated, guaranteeing a representative result.

Areas of application

Vitamin B12 analysis is particularly suitable for the following industries:

• Agri-food: formulation of fortified products, specialized food
• Nutraceuticals: development of supplements designed for specific needs (vitality, energy, memory, etc.)
• Vegetarian and vegan nutrition: controlling enrichment and bioavailability
• Animal nutrition: dosage in animal feed, premixes, mineral and vitamin supplements
• Cosmetics: Validation of the presence of B12 in dermo-cosmetic formulations

Expert laboratories in vitamin testing

YesWeLab selects laboratories specializing in physicochemical analysis and nutrition, accredited to ISO 17025 and equipped with the latest LC-MS/MS technologies. Our partners possess advanced expertise in the analysis of water-soluble vitamins and can adapt methods to applicable regulations (EU Regulation 1169/2011, Codex Alimentarius, internal monographs).

We support you in choosing the method, preparing the samples, and interpreting the results, with a high level of scientific rigor.

Centralized management via our platform

With YesWeLab you can:

• Submit your analysis requests and track their progress
• Manage your sample shipments with ease
• Access your downloadable analysis reports
• Contact our scientific team for any technical or regulatory needs

Our digital service guarantees time savings, traceability, and reliability for all your analytical projects.

Further analyses recommended

• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) dosage
• Nutritional profile 

Request your personalized quote

Add this analysis to your online quote or contact our scientific team. Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting nutrition and health industry professionals with their vitamin and supplement analyses, providing responsiveness, transparency, and expertise.