Methylcobalamin
Methylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 in which a methyl group is bound to the central cobalt atom. It is made semi-synthetically, usually by reducing fermentation-derived cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin and methylating it, then purifying and crystallizing. It is a dark red crystalline powder that breaks down quickly in light, so it is handled under subdued light and is sold as pure material or as 1% and other dilutions.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
High-purity methylcobalamin for premix makers and manufacturers who dilute it themselves.
Methylcobalamin on a carrier such as dicalcium phosphate, mannitol or microcrystalline cellulose at 1%.
Lower-strength powders for chewables, lozenges and premixes.
Methylcobalamin mixed with adenosylcobalamin or other forms by some suppliers; check the stated amount of each.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Methylcobalamin breaks down quickly when exposed to light, turning into hydroxocobalamin, so keep it in light-proof, tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place and handle it under subdued light. Suppliers set shelf life or a retest date, with HPLC assay and hydroxocobalamin content as the usual retest checks.
Record assay and hydroxocobalamin content for each lot, and dose from the actual assay. Keep pure material and dilutions as clearly separate items.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph lists methylcobalamin as a source ingredient for vitamin B12.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for vitamin B12 at 2.4 mcg for adults and children 4 years and older.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · City of Industry, CA
California ingredient supplier that sources branded and commodity ingredients for supplement and food makers, from amino acids and vitamins to magnesium L-threonate and a plant-based vitamin D3.
Manufacturer · Nanjing, China
Nanjing-based maker and marketer of ingredients for food, nutrition, personal care and feed. Its food and nutrition range includes vitamin C and the main B vitamins in several forms.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include pure crystalline, 1% trituration, other dilutions and blends with other cobalamins. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay (HPLC), related cobalamins, identity, loss on drying or water, content uniformity (dilutions) and heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Methylcobalamin breaks down quickly when exposed to light, turning into hydroxocobalamin, so keep it in light-proof, tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place and handle it under subdued light. Suppliers set shelf life or a retest date, with HPLC assay and hydroxocobalamin content as the usual retest checks.
Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph lists methylcobalamin as a source ingredient for vitamin B12. 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for vitamin B12 at 2.4 mcg for adults and children 4 years and older.
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