Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) · Active Vitamin B12 for Foods, Beverages & Nutrition

Key characteristics

• Chemical name: Methylcobalamin (methyl vitamin B12).
• Form: typically a dark red or crimson crystalline powder, strongly coloured even at very low levels.
• Potency and dosage: used at microgram-per-serving levels, usually handled through diluted premixes or trituations to secure accurate, homogeneous dosing.
• Solubility: generally sparingly soluble in water; suitable for dry blends, tablets, capsules, gummies and selected beverage systems when formulated correctly.
• Stability: sensitive to light, oxidising agents and extreme pH; stability is improved through premix design, protective packaging and controlled processing.
• Function: used to fortify foods, beverages and supplements with vitamin B12, especially where positioning around active or coenzyme forms of B12 is desired.
• Form selection: methylcobalamin is widely used in premium supplements and vegan products, while cyanocobalamin often remains the workhorse for large-scale food fortification. Atlas can advise on choosing the most suitable B12 form – or combination – for each project.

Atlas works with customers to optimise vitamin B12 form selection, carriers and premix composition in line with nutritional targets, processing conditions and branding position.

Indicative specification points

Final specifications are agreed project by project. Typical food and nutrition-grade methylcobalamin parameters include:

• Assay: generally 97.0–101.0% methylcobalamin (on dried basis).
• Identification tests: confirm vitamin B12 structure and methylcobalamin characteristics according to pharmacopeial or food-grade methods.
• Loss on drying: controlled to support powder stability and potency.
• Residue on ignition / sulphated ash: limited according to specification and regulatory requirements.
• Particle size and bulk density: selected to suit premix manufacturing, tableting, encapsulation and blending at very low inclusion rates.
• Related substances and organic impurities: controlled to meet food, infant and supplement standards.
• Heavy metals and specific contaminants: limited to comply with global and local safety frameworks.
• Microbiological profile: aligned with good manufacturing practice, with tighter limits for infant and medical nutrition where applicable.

Each batch is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a detailed technical data sheet. Additional documentation (GMO status, allergen statements, dietary suitability, contaminants, origin, Halal/Kosher certificates) can be provided from approved producers.

Fortified foods, cereals & beverages

• Breakfast cereals and cereal bars – B12 fortification via premixes, including concepts combining methylcobalamin with folic acid and vitamin B6.
• Bakery products – breads, buns and better-for-you baked snacks where active B12 positioning is desired and process conditions allow for stability.
• Fortified juices and RTD beverages – selected beverage systems where formulation and packaging are designed to protect methylcobalamin from light and oxidation.

Plant-based & specialised foods

• Plant-based milks and drinks (soy, oat, almond, etc.) – used to support vegan B12 fortification alongside other vitamins and minerals.
• Meat alternatives and vegan ready-meals – methylcobalamin contributes to nutrient profiles tailored to plant-based diets.
• Functional foods and nutrition bars – active B12 form used in premium positioning together with other energy and wellness ingredients.

Instant powders & energy systems

• Instant multivitamin and nutrition powders – methylcobalamin dosed via multi-vitamin/mineral premixes for single-serve sticks, sachets and canisters.
• Energy and pre-workout powders – active B12 form used in performance-focused blends together with B6, niacin, folic acid and other nutrients.
• Electrolyte and recovery powders – B12 incorporated where permitted to support energy metabolism messaging.

Dietary supplements & vegan concepts

• Tablets and capsules – methylcobalamin used alone or with other B vitamins and minerals in premium B12 and B-complex products.
• Sublingual tablets, sprays and drops – popular delivery formats for methylcobalamin dietary supplements, subject to local regulatory frameworks.
• Gummies and chewables – active B12 form formulated into convenient, consumer-friendly formats, typically in combination with other vitamins.
• Vegan and vegetarian supplements – methylcobalamin used in vegan-certified products where B12 fortification is particularly relevant.

Medical & specialised nutrition

• Oral nutrition supplements – selected formulas for specific nutrition targets may use methylcobalamin, subject to medical nutrition legislation and documentation needs.
• Condition-specific products – combination formulas where active B12 forms are part of science-based nutrient systems, always within national regulatory limits.

Formulation guidance

• Vitamin B12 dosage is determined by:
  • Regulatory minimum/maximum levels in the target category,
  • Desired on-pack nutrition and health claims,
  • Target consumer group (e.g. vegans, seniors, general population).
• Because of its very low inclusion level, methylcobalamin is normally used via diluted premixes on suitable carriers to avoid dosing errors and segregation.
• Stability is influenced by light exposure, oxidising ingredients, pH and temperature; careful selection of premix carriers, antioxidant systems and packaging is recommended.
• For beverages and liquid supplements, attention to pH, heat treatment and storage conditions is essential; pilot trials are recommended to validate B12 retention.
• Regulatory and nutrition teams must confirm authorised B12 forms, maximum levels, warning statements and labelling rules in each destination market and product category.