Vitamin D3
Human Nutrition

Human Nutrition

Vitamin B12
An essential micronutrient for healthy nervous system function

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is naturally found in foods of animal origin such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. Plant-based diets are usually low in vitamin B12 content unless they are fortified.

Population groups at risk of inadequate vitamin B12 intake are, for example, elderly people, vegetarians and vegans.

In the human body, vitamin B12 is a cofactor for enzymes that are involved in the normal function of cells.

In this way, vitamin B12 is required for development and function of the central nervous system; red blood cell formation; as well as synthesis of DNA.

Sources: NIH Fact Sheets for Health Professionals and Consumers, Vitamin B12 (November 2025); Fernandes S et al, 2024. Please note, the above information is based on scientific knowledge and does not constitute an overview of authorized health claims.

As global awareness of health and nutrition continues to rise, consumers are increasingly seeking food products fortified with essential vitamins - especially vitamin B12.

The vitamin B12 market is experiencing robust growth, driven by its versatile applications across key industries such as functional nutrition and dietary supplements.

One of the most powerful drivers of this growth is the expanding global population of vegans and vegetarians. Since vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products, plant-based consumers are turning to fortified foods and supplements to meet their nutritional needs - creating a surge in demand.

Sources: Vitamin B12 Market Size, Share, Analysis and Forecast 2035; Vitamin B12 Market Trends, Drivers & Opportunities | MarketsandMarkets

What makes BASF’s vitamin B12 an excellent choice for your products and applications?

  • Reliability +
    • Continuous investment and optimization in production assets since decades in Western Europe.
    • Pro-active and transparent customer communication.
  • Quality +
    • Industry-related quality standards (FSSC 22000, HACCP).
    • High standard analytics.
    • Self-service 24/7 via Nutrition Virtual Assistants.
  • Performance +
    • Microencapsulated vitamin B12, easy to use in various applications.
    • Microencapsulation allows homogeneous distribution in dry products, which is of particular importance as vitamin B12 is used in low doses.
    • Flow aid free formulation.
  • Sustainability +
    • Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) according to industry standard.

BASF’s vitamin B12 delivers a flow aid free microencapsulated powder allowing a homogeneous distribution of particles in dry products.

  • High-quality vitamin B12 powders
  • Flow aid free formulation
  • Fine particle size, for homogeneous mixing
  • For dietary supplements and functional nutrition
  • Coming with a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) according to industry standard

Our portfolio of Vitamin B12 products

* Product not sold in the US

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