Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Formula & Source Explained

Question
Hi Karen,
I went to a Health Retreat a few weekends ago and the subject was B12. We were told it is a friendly bacteria and can be made sythetically.It has lovely burgandy crystals.
Please will you tell me the formula as I lost the paper I wrote it on.
Thankyou
Noeline Cutts

Answer
Hi Noeline,

Naturally occurring B12 is also known as "cobalamin" and is produced by one-celled organisms (bacteria and fungi).

Synthetic B12 is known as "cyanocobalamin". The molecular formula is C63H88CoN14O14P and you can see the chemical structure here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_B12

Production of synthetic B12 involves fermentation procedures similar to those used for penicillin and other antibiotics.

Karen
www.getfitwithkaren.com