Vitamin B12 Report

Summary

Labdoor analyzed 11 of the best-selling vitamin B12 (cobalamin) supplements in the United States for active ingredient content and heavy metal (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) contamination.

Overall, vitamin B12 measurements in this batch analysis ranged from 515 mcg to 6990 mcg per serving, deviating from label claims by an average of 23%. 8 of the 11 products recorded more vitamin B12 than claimed, with one product recording as much as 74% of its label claim for vitamin B12. All products passed heavy metal screenings, and recorded vitamin B12 levels considered to be safe by the Institute of Medicine (IOM)¹.

Analytical Chemistry Methods: LC-UVVIS (vitamin B12), CE (vitamin B6), ICP-OES (vitamin B9), ICP-MS (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury).

All 11 products passed heavy metal purity testing

All 11 products tested passed testing for lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury contamination. This means that one serving of all of the B12 products were shown to be under daily limits set by the United States Pharmacopeia.

None of the products received a 10/10 on their vitamin B12 label accuracy score.

• Measured vitamin B12 in this batch analysis deviated from label claims by an average of 23%.
• Products measure vitamin B12 anywhere from -13% to +74% vs. products' label claims.