Is it vegan? Vitamins & supplements
Is vitamin B12 vegan?
Quick answer: Yes. The vitamin B12 in supplements and fortified foods is produced by bacterial fermentation and is vegan — and vegans need a reliable source of it.
Also called: cobalamin, cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin
Why it’s vegan
B12 is made only by microorganisms; industrial B12 is produced by bacterial fermentation, so supplement B12 is vegan. Animal foods contain B12 because of bacteria, not because animals make it.
The Vegan Society recommends that vegans eat fortified foods providing at least 3 µg a day, take a daily supplement of at least 10 µg, or take a weekly supplement of at least 2,000 µg. Check capsules and tablet coatings for gelatin or shellac.
What to look for on the label
- cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin
- fortified with vitamin B12
Where it’s found
- Supplements
- Fortified plant milks, cereals, yeast extract and nutritional yeast
Frequently asked questions
Is vitamin B12 vegan?
Yes. The vitamin B12 in supplements and fortified foods is produced by bacterial fermentation and is vegan — and vegans need a reliable source of it.
Sources
- What every vegan should know about vitamin B12 — The Vegan Society
- Bio-based vitamin B12: bridging biotechnology and sustainability for industrial production (2026) — Critical Reviews in Biotechnology
- The vegan diet — NHS
Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.