Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) in food and dietary supplements

Analysis of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) in food with an HPLC-UV-VIS method, or in supplements with an LC-MS/MS method.

The results can be used to confirm the amount of vitamin B12 in the product to ensure accurate labeling. According to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, vitamin B12 content can be included in the nutrition declaration if a food or beverage contains it in significant amounts.

Accounting for the daily reference intake of 2.5 µg, the following concentrations are considered significant:

• 0.375 µg/100 g or 100 ml in products other than beverages (15% of reference intake)

• 0.1875 µg/100 ml in beverages (7.5% of reference intake)

• 0.375 µg per portion if the package contains a single portion (15% of reference intake)

Food and beverages that contain vitamin B12 in at least the above amounts can be labeled as sources of vitamin B12. Other nutrition and health claims can be used according to Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EU) No 432/2012. Some examples of permitted claims include:

• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.

• Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation.