Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) dosage

Vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin, testing allows for precise measurement of the content of this essential water-soluble vitamin in fortified food, nutraceutical, or plant-based products. A key vitamin in metabolism, it is involved in red blood cell formation, neurological function, DNA synthesis, and homocysteine ​​regulation. B12 deficiency can lead to serious problems, particularly in vegetarians, vegans, the elderly, or those with absorption disorders. 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 vitamin B12 quantification:

• 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 certain 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 its ability to distinguish between different forms of cobalamins (cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, etc.).

Why measure vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 dosage is crucial for:

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

Affected matrices

Vitamin B12 assay can be performed on a wide range of matrices:

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

A rigorous extraction is carried out according to the matrix to release the protein-bound or encapsulated B12, guaranteeing a representative result.

Areas of application

Vitamin B12 analysis is particularly suitable for the following industries:

• Food industry: formulation of enriched products, specialized food
• Nutraceuticals: development of supplements intended for targeted needs (vitality, energy, memory, etc.)
• Vegetarian and vegan nutrition: control of fortification and bioavailability
• Animal nutrition: dosage in animal feed, premix, mineral and vitamin supplements
• Cosmetics: validation of the presence of B12 in dermocosmetic formulations

Expert laboratories in vitamin dosage

YesWeLab selects laboratories specialized in physical chemistry and nutrition, ISO 17025 accredited and equipped with the latest LC-MS/MS technologies. Our partners have extensive 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 the choice of method, sample preparation, and interpretation of 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
• Speak with 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 manufacturers in their vitamin and supplement analyses with responsiveness, transparency, and expertise.