What is the difference between cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin?

Cyanocobalamin is the stable form of vitamin B12 that contains a cyanide molecule (in harmless trace amounts — about 20 µg per 1,000 µg of B12). It is converted in the liver to methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin — the two active coenzyme forms. Methylcobalamin is already in one of the active forms, bypassing the conversion step. Both forms are effective at raising B12 levels, and cyanocobalamin has the advantage of being more stable, longer-lasting in the body, and supported by decades more clinical research. Our Vitamin B Complex uses methylcobalamin; our Skin Hair & Nails uses cyanocobalamin.

What is the NRV for vitamin B12 and how much do you provide?

The EU Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for vitamin B12 is 2.5 µg per day. Our Skin Hair & Nails formula provides exactly 2.5 µg of cyanocobalamin per serving — 100% NRV. This is the standard reference dose that meets the daily needs of most adults. B12 is unique among B vitamins because the liver stores significant amounts (2–5 mg total in adults), enough to last 3–5 years if intake stops. However, absorption of B12 from food declines with age, making supplementation increasingly important for older adults.

Why is B12 included in a formula for skin, hair, and nails?

Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, nail beds, and skin cells. It also supports normal cell division — important for the rapidly dividing cells that produce hair and nails. Additionally, B12 contributes to normal energy metabolism, providing the cellular energy needed for these metabolically active tissues. In our Skin Hair & Nails formula, B12 works synergistically with biotin (another B vitamin) and the mineral and botanical silica sources.

Who is at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency?

Several groups are at higher risk for low B12 levels: older adults (reduced stomach acid impairs B12 release from food); vegetarians and vegans (B12 is naturally found only in animal products); people with autoimmune digestive conditions; those taking long-term acid-reducing medication (proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers); people who have had gastric bypass surgery; and individuals with pernicious anaemia. For these groups, reliable B12 supplementation is particularly important.

Ingredient Deep Dive · Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Ingredient Cyanocobalamin

The stable, well-researched form of vitamin B12 for energy and nerve health.

Cyanocobalamin is the most extensively studied form of vitamin B12, with decades of safety and efficacy data. Found in our Skin Hair & Nails formula at 100% NRV.

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What is Cyanocobalamin?

Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 that is widely used in supplements and fortified foods due to its excellent stability and cost-effectiveness. The body converts cyanocobalamin into the two biologically active B12 coenzymes — methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin — through a series of enzymatic steps. The 'cyano' group attached to the cobalamin molecule stabilises it during manufacturing and storage, giving cyanocobalamin a longer shelf life than the active B12 forms.

Vitamin B12 is the most chemically complex of all vitamins and the only vitamin that contains a metal ion (cobalt, giving it the name 'cobalamin'). It is essential for the formation of red blood cells, the maintenance of the nervous system through myelin synthesis, DNA synthesis, and the metabolism of homocysteine — a key amino acid involved in cellular methylation processes. B12 is naturally found only in animal-derived foods, making supplementation particularly relevant for those following vegan or vegetarian diets.

EFSA-approved health benefits

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed that vitamin B12:

contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system
contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism
contributes to normal psychological function
contributes to normal red blood cell formation
contributes to the normal function of the immune system
contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
contributes to normal cell division

Why we use Cyanocobalamin in Nutri-Leaf formulas

Nutri-Leaf Vitamin B Complex uses cyanocobalamin as the source of vitamin B12. Cyanocobalamin is the most stable and thoroughly studied form of B12 for supplementation, with decades of research supporting its reliable conversion to the active coenzyme forms in the body. Each capsule provides 2.5µg (100% NRV) alongside the other seven essential B vitamins in a comprehensive once-daily formula. For those seeking the active form directly, Nutri-Leaf also offers methylcobalamin as an ingredient.

Products containing Vitamin B12

The Nutri-Leaf product featuring cyanocobalamin is Vitamin B Complex, which provides all eight B vitamins at 100% NRV per capsule in a comprehensive formula for energy, nervous system, and immune support.

Learn more about the role of B12 in energy and nervous system health on our Energy & Vitality and Stress Management guides. Visit the Ingredient Philosophy page for more on our nutrient form selection principles.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredient profile

Cyanocobalamin — the gold standard form of vitamin B12.

What it is
Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 that is widely used in supplements and fortified foods due to its excellent stability. Nutri-Leaf Vitamin B Complex uses it as the B12 source.
Why we use it
Every ingredient in our formulas serves a specific nutritional purpose. What you see on the label is exactly what’s in the capsule.
German quality sourcing
All ingredients are sourced to meet German and EU pharmacopoeia quality standards, then manufactured into finished supplements in Germany by an FSSC 22000 certified food-supplement producer.
Benefits & research
Role in the body
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the normal functioning of the nervous system, normal homocysteine metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Approved health claims
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal red blood cell formation, the normal functioning of the nervous system, normal homocysteine metabolism, normal cell division and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
EU quality standards
Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) are set by EU Regulation 1169/2011. Our formulas are designed to provide meaningful percentages of these reference values per daily serving.

Nutri-Leaf formulas featuring this ingredient

Supplements containing Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12).

Skin Hair & Nails

Nutri-Leaf

Vitamin B Complex

1 capsule per dayHPMC vegetable capsule

~~€18,99~~€14,11

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Frequently asked questions

Your questions about Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) and quality.

Cyanocobalamin is the stable form of vitamin B12 that contains a cyanide molecule (in harmless trace amounts — about 20 µg per 1,000 µg of B12). It is converted in the liver to methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin — the two active coenzyme forms. Methylcobalamin is already in one of the active forms, bypassing the conversion step. Both forms are effective at raising B12 levels, and cyanocobalamin has the advantage of being more stable, longer-lasting in the body, and supported by decades more clinical research. Our Vitamin B Complex uses methylcobalamin; our Skin Hair & Nails uses cyanocobalamin.
The EU Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for vitamin B12 is 2.5 µg per day. Our Skin Hair & Nails formula provides exactly 2.5 µg of cyanocobalamin per serving — 100% NRV. This is the standard reference dose that meets the daily needs of most adults. B12 is unique among B vitamins because the liver stores significant amounts (2–5 mg total in adults), enough to last 3–5 years if intake stops. However, absorption of B12 from food declines with age, making supplementation increasingly important for older adults.
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, nail beds, and skin cells. It also supports normal cell division — important for the rapidly dividing cells that produce hair and nails. Additionally, B12 contributes to normal energy metabolism, providing the cellular energy needed for these metabolically active tissues. In our Skin Hair & Nails formula, B12 works synergistically with biotin (another B vitamin) and the mineral and botanical silica sources.
Several groups are at higher risk for low B12 levels: older adults (reduced stomach acid impairs B12 release from food); vegetarians and vegans (B12 is naturally found only in animal products); people with autoimmune digestive conditions; those taking long-term acid-reducing medication (proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers); people who have had gastric bypass surgery; and individuals with pernicious anaemia. For these groups, reliable B12 supplementation is particularly important.

Discover German quality supplements

Cyanocobalamin — stable, proven B12 for your daily nutrition.

manufactured in Germany by an FSSC 22000 certified producer. Plant-based HPMC capsules. Free shipping from €49 across the EU.

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Free EU shipping from €49 · FSSC 22000-certified producer · Made in Germany · Plant-based capsules · Clean formulas

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Ingredient Cyanocobalamin

The stable, well-researched form of vitamin B12 for energy and nerve health.

What is Cyanocobalamin?

EFSA-approved health benefits

Why we use Cyanocobalamin in Nutri-Leaf formulas

Products containing Vitamin B12

Cyanocobalamin — the gold standard form of vitamin B12.

Benefits & research

Supplements containing Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12).

Vitamin B Complex

Guides about ingredients and nutrition.

Zinc and Selenium: The Dynamic Duo for Immune Health

How to Read a Supplement Label Like a Nutritionist

The Beginner’s Guide to Building a Daily Supplement Routine

Your questions about Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) and quality.

Cyanocobalamin — stable, proven B12 for your daily nutrition.

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