Is Nature Made B12 Synthetic? The Full Nutritional Breakdown

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 6% of adults under 60 are B12 deficient, a number that rises to 11% for vegans. For those supplementing, a common question arises: is Nature Made B12 synthetic? Yes, the brand primarily uses cyanocobalamin, the stable, synthetic form of B12, but its effectiveness for most people is comparable to natural versions.

Quick Summary

This article explains that Nature Made's B12 is a synthetic compound called cyanocobalamin, contrasting it with the natural form, methylcobalamin. It covers how the body processes both types, their respective benefits for different needs, and key factors to consider when choosing a B12 supplement.

Key Points

Nature Made B12 is Synthetic: The brand's products primarily contain cyanocobalamin, a manufactured form of vitamin B12 that is not naturally found in foods.
Synthetic B12 is Effective: Cyanocobalamin is highly stable and cost-effective, and the body can readily convert it into the active forms required for cellular function.
Natural vs. Synthetic B12 Differences: Methylcobalamin is the natural, active form of B12, while cyanocobalamin is synthetic and inactive until converted by the body.
Both Forms Treat Deficiency: For most people, both cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin are effective at preventing and correcting B12 deficiency.
Choosing Depends on Individual Needs: The best B12 form depends on factors like genetics (e.g., MTHFR mutation), dietary choices, budget, and personal preference.
Natural Sources are Animal-Based: B12 is naturally found in animal products like meat, fish, and dairy, while plant-based foods often require fortification.
Production is Bacterial: All commercial B12, both synthetic and 'natural' supplement forms, is produced via bacterial fermentation.

Understanding the Forms of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a crucial nutrient vital for red blood cell formation, brain health, and nerve function. Unlike other vitamins, B12 is not produced by plants and must be sourced through animal products or supplementation. Supplements often come in two primary forms: cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. The answer to is Nature Made B12 synthetic? is a straightforward 'yes' for most of their products, as they explicitly list cyanocobalamin as the ingredient. This does not mean it is less effective, but it is a fundamental distinction for consumers to understand.

Cyanocobalamin: The Synthetic Workhorse

Cyanocobalamin is the most common form of vitamin B12 used in dietary supplements and food fortification. This is due to its stability, long shelf life, and low production cost. It is synthesized commercially through microbial fermentation, where the resulting B12 compound is treated with a small amount of potassium cyanide to create the stable cyanocobalamin. The amount of cyanide is minute and is considered harmless. Once ingested, the body efficiently converts cyanocobalamin into the active forms—methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin—that it can use. For most people, cyanocobalamin is an effective and reliable way to prevent or treat a B12 deficiency.

Methylcobalamin: The Natural, Active Alternative

Methylcobalamin, unlike its synthetic counterpart, is one of the two active, naturally occurring forms of B12 found in food sources like fish, meat, eggs, and milk. It is ready for the body to use immediately upon absorption and does not require conversion. This has led some to advocate for its superiority, especially for individuals with certain genetic mutations, like MTHFR, that might impair the conversion process. However, robust scientific evidence consistently showing it to be significantly more effective than cyanocobalamin for the average, healthy individual is limited. Some studies even suggest cyanocobalamin might be absorbed slightly better, though methylcobalamin may be retained longer.

Cyanocobalamin vs. Methylcobalamin: A Comparison

To better understand the key differences, consider this comparison table:


Feature	Cyanocobalamin (Synthetic)	Methylcobalamin (Natural)
Availability	Widely available in most supplements and fortified foods.	Increasingly popular, available in many health-focused brands.
Cost	Less expensive to produce and purchase.	Generally more expensive due to higher production costs.
Form	Stable, inactive form.	Natural, biologically active form.
Body Conversion	The body must convert it into active forms (methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin).	Immediately bioavailable and ready for cellular use.
Effectiveness	Highly effective for treating and preventing deficiency in most people.	Also effective for treating and preventing deficiency.
Target User	Suitable for the majority of individuals.	Preferred by some with genetic variants affecting conversion.

The Production of Vitamin B12 Supplements

Industrial production of vitamin B12 for supplementation relies on bacterial fermentation. The process involves growing select microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas denitrificans or Propionibacterium freudenreichii, in large vats. The resulting compound is then harvested and purified. While bacteria produce the biologically active forms, manufacturers often convert it into cyanocobalamin by adding cyanide to increase its stability and shelf life. This conversion step is a commercial necessity that doesn't compromise the final product's efficacy for most users.

Choosing the Right B12 Supplement

When deciding on a B12 supplement, consider your individual dietary needs and health status. Here are some key points to help guide your choice:

For Vegans and Vegetarians: Since animal products are the main natural source, supplementation is critical. Both cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin are effective, and Nature Made offers products suitable for these diets.
Individuals with Malabsorption Issues: Those with conditions like pernicious anemia or gastric surgeries may have trouble absorbing B12 from supplements and may require high-dose oral options or injections, which can be hydroxocobalamin. Consult a physician for the best treatment path.
MTHFR Genetic Mutation: People with this mutation may have reduced ability to process folic acid and cyanocobalamin efficiently. For these individuals, a methylated form like methylcobalamin is often recommended to bypass the metabolic conversion step.
Budget-Conscious Consumers: Because cyanocobalamin is more economical to produce, it is often a more affordable option that remains highly effective for the general population.

Conclusion

In summary, the vitamin B12 found in most Nature Made supplements is indeed synthetic cyanocobalamin. However, this is standard practice in the supplement industry due to its stability and cost-effectiveness. While the supplement's B12 is synthetic, the body can effectively convert it into the usable active forms, making it a reliable choice for the vast majority of consumers. Ultimately, the choice between synthetic and natural B12 depends on factors such as cost, personal preferences, and specific health needs, especially concerning genetic factors affecting metabolism. Both forms are capable of preventing and treating a vitamin B12 deficiency when taken consistently as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. For further reading on vitamins and dietary supplements, the National Institutes of Health provides comprehensive resources.

Sources of B12

Animal Products: Rich natural sources include meat, fish (especially salmon and tuna), shellfish, eggs, and dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Fortified Foods: For those on plant-based diets, fortified products are a primary source. This includes fortified breakfast cereals, nutritional yeast, and some plant-based milks.
Supplements: Vitamin B12 supplements are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, softgels, gummies, and liquid sprays, offering both cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin.

When to Consider Supplementing

Vegetarians and Vegans: With animal products being the primary source, those following a plant-based diet should supplement to avoid deficiency.
Older Adults: As we age, stomach acid production decreases, which can impair the body's ability to absorb protein-bound B12 from food.
Individuals with Gastrointestinal Conditions: Conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and pernicious anemia can interfere with B12 absorption.
Post-Surgery Patients: Those who have undergone gastrointestinal surgeries, such as gastric bypass, may also have difficulty absorbing B12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cyanocobalamin is the most common and stable synthetic form of vitamin B12 used in dietary supplements and fortified foods. It contains a cyanide molecule, which is harmless in small amounts and stabilizes the compound.

Synthetic B12 is produced by bacteria in a process called microbial fermentation. The resulting cobalamin is then converted to the stable cyanocobalamin by adding a cyanide molecule.

Yes, for the majority of people, the body effectively absorbs and converts synthetic cyanocobalamin into the active forms it needs to function. Some studies even suggest it may be absorbed slightly better than methylcobalamin.

The main difference is that cyanocobalamin is a synthetic, inactive form, whereas methylcobalamin is a natural, active form. The body must first convert cyanocobalamin into methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin before it can be used.

For most healthy people, there is no definitive evidence that one form is significantly better than the other, and both are effective. However, individuals with certain genetic mutations affecting B12 metabolism may benefit more from the pre-converted methylcobalamin.

Nature Made offers B12 supplements that are suitable for vegetarians and vegans who may not consume enough from their diet alone. However, some softgel versions contain gelatin, so individuals should check the label for 'vegan' certification or specific ingredients.

No, the amount of cyanide in a standard dose of cyanocobalamin is minuscule and not considered a health risk. The body easily removes and eliminates it.