Fact check: Vitamin B12 supplement containing cyanocobalamin is as toxic as cyanide

There are two commonly used vitamin B12 supplements: cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin, said Dr Vichar Nigam, consultant, internal medicine, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | November 19, 2024 06:00 PM IST

3 min read

Does B12 contain cyanocobalamin? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Whenever we come across any statement on social media that may impact health, we ensure to always get it fact-checked by experts. We did so again, this time when we read that vitamin B12 supplements containing cyanocobalamin are as toxic as cyanide. According to physician Dr Dennis Walker, if your B12 supplement ingredient says “cyanocobalamin”, throw it in the trash. “The ‘cyano’ portion of this is most disturbing. This breaks down into cyanide, which is deadly and toxic at high levels. Instead of cyanocobalamin look for vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin, or hydroxycobalamin. No cyanide, and absorbs just as well,” said Dr Walker.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include anaemia, feeling tired or weak, trouble while walking, weight loss, irritability, poor appetite, and diarrhea. Notably, vitamin B12 supplements are advised when one is found to have a deficiency. “It is believed that vitamin B12 supplement plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and nervous system function,” said Dr Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.

Cyanide is a toxic, carbon-nitrogen chemical compound that is lethal and exists in many forms, including gas, liquid, or solid.

So, is there any truth to this claim?

Dr Vichar Nigam, consultant, internal medicine, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune contended that cyanocobalamin is “safe” for long-term use. “There are two commonly used vitamin B12 supplements: cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form that is absorbed better than methylcobalamin, though it doesn’t stay in the body as long. This makes it helpful for conditions where vitamin B12 absorption is low, like pernicious anaemia,” said Dr Nigam.

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As for cyanide concerns, Dr Nigam said that the amount is negligible in B12 supplements. “Aluminum from B12 supplements can be a problem for people with kidney issues, but cyanide from cyanocobalamin isn’t a health risk,” stressed Dr Nigam.

Here’s what to consider (Source: Freepik)

According to Dr. Harish Chafle, senior consultant intensivist chest physician, bronchoscopist, and sleep disorders specialist, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, cyanide binds in vitamin B12 so that it “does not serve as a source of cyanide exposure and cannot harm you.”

“The molecular mass of cyanocobalamin is 1355.38 g/mol whereas that of cyanide is 26.02. Therefore, the percent of cyanide in cyanocobalamin is about 2 per cent, which is non-toxic to the body,” said Dr Chafle.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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