Is Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) vegan?
Vegan
B12 in supplements is bacterial fermentation. Always vegan.
Also known as: cobalamin, methylcobalamin
What it is
A vitamin produced by bacteria (Propionibacterium freudenreichii).
Why vegan
Industrial B12 is microbial, not animal-derived. Animals only contain B12 because they too eat it or harbor producing bacteria.
Where you'll find it
- Multivitamins
- Fortified plant milks
- Nutritional yeast
Vegan alternatives
- N/A — vegan by default in supplements
FAQ
- Do vegans need to supplement B12?
- Yes — it is the one nutrient that cannot reliably come from a plant diet without fortified foods or supplements.
Sources
Last reviewed June 4, 2026