Is Vitamin B12 Made From Human Waste? The Truth Behind the Myth

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

Viral videos suggesting that commercial vitamin B12 is sourced from human sewage sludge are entirely false, based on misinformation and flawed claims. In reality, the industrial manufacturing process relies on controlled microbial fermentation, a standard biotechnological practice using specific bacteria.

Quick Summary

Industrial vitamin B12 is produced by controlled bacterial fermentation in sterile vats, not from human waste, debunking a prevalent myth based on incorrect viral videos.

Key Points

Origin of the myth: The false claim stems from misinformation and misinterpretation of old patents for animal feed production, not modern human-grade manufacturing.
Real production method: Commercial vitamin B12 is created through large-scale, controlled microbial fermentation using specific, non-pathogenic bacterial cultures.
Safety and sterility: The bacteria used in production are grown in sterile industrial vats, and the resulting vitamin undergoes a rigorous purification process.
Bacteria, not waste: All vitamin B12 is ultimately of bacterial origin; animals get it from bacteria in their environment or gut, which we then consume via meat and dairy.
Human gut absorption: The B12 produced by bacteria in the human colon is not absorbed, making external sources vital for our nutritional needs.
Common sources: Besides supplements, humans get B12 from animal products and fortified foods like breakfast cereals, plant-based milks, and nutritional yeast.

Debunking the Human Waste Myth

The claim that commercial vitamin B12 is produced from human waste is a dangerous piece of misinformation. The origin of this myth can be traced back to misinterpreted information regarding older patents for producing B12 for animal feed from sewage sludge. However, this outdated and unhygienic method is not used for human-grade supplements or fortified foods. Modern vitamin B12 production is a sophisticated, sterile, and highly controlled process that relies on biotechnology, specifically bacterial fermentation.

The Real Source of Commercial Vitamin B12

Only certain types of bacteria and archaea have the complex genetic machinery required to synthesize vitamin B12. Neither plants nor animals produce it naturally. For the commercial market, manufacturers cultivate specific, non-pathogenic bacterial strains in sterile fermentation tanks. The most common bacteria used for this purpose are Propionibacterium freudenreichii and Pseudomonas denitrificans, cultured from laboratory-maintained stocks, not sourced from sewage.

During this process, the bacteria are fed specific nutrients and allowed to ferment for several days in large vats, during which they produce vitamin B12 as a metabolic byproduct. The fermentation medium and conditions are carefully controlled to maximize yield and purity. After fermentation, the B12 is extracted and put through extensive purification steps to ensure it is safe and clean for human consumption.

Can Humans Get B12 from Their Own Bacteria?

While bacteria in the human large intestine (colon) do produce vitamin B12, this process occurs too far down the digestive tract for the vitamin to be properly absorbed. B12 absorption primarily happens in the small intestine, meaning the vitamin produced in our gut is excreted and provides no benefit to the host. This anatomical limitation is why humans must obtain B12 from external sources, such as animal products, fortified foods, or supplements.

How Nature Transfers B12 to Our Food Chain

In the natural food chain, animals acquire B12 from the bacteria in their diet or gut. For example, ruminant animals like cows have B12-producing bacteria in their stomachs, allowing them to absorb and store the vitamin in their tissues and milk. This is why animal products are traditional dietary sources of B12 for humans.

Natural vs. Industrial B12 Production


Aspect	Natural B12 Sources (Animal Products)	Industrial B12 (Supplements/Fortified Foods)
Source	Produced by bacteria living in the gut of animals, which is then stored in animal tissues and dairy.	Produced by selected, non-pathogenic bacterial strains cultivated in a controlled, sterile lab environment.
Production Location	Inside the digestive system of ruminant and other animals.	In large, sterilized industrial fermenters.
Purity	Can be subject to variations based on animal health and feed composition.	Undergoes rigorous purification, crystallization, and stabilization (e.g., as cyanocobalamin).
Hygiene	Dependent on farming practices and natural bacterial presence.	Strict sterile conditions and quality control ensure a clean and safe final product.
Consumption Method	Eaten as part of a meal containing meat, fish, eggs, or dairy.	Ingested as a tablet, liquid, or via fortified foods like cereals and nutritional yeast.

Addressing the Source of Confusion

The misinterpretation of older industrial processes for producing animal-grade nutrients contributed significantly to the human waste rumor. The core fact remains that vitamin B12 is a product of bacterial metabolism. Modern, reputable manufacturing facilities use clean, reliable, and controlled bacterial fermentation processes to ensure the safety and efficacy of B12 supplements and fortified foods. These controlled lab strains are a far cry from the unsanitized waste materials the rumors suggest.

Conclusion

It is demonstrably false that vitamin B12 for human consumption is made from human waste. The essential vitamin is a product of bacteria, which are cultivated in a sterile laboratory setting for commercial production. This controlled process ensures a safe, clean, and reliable source of B12, which is critical for individuals whose diets may lack sufficient natural sources, such as vegans, or those with malabsorption issues. Relying on scientific understanding of microbial fermentation, rather than baseless viral claims, is crucial for making informed health decisions. For more detailed information on vitamin B12, consult the National Institutes of Health (NIH)(https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/).

Frequently Asked Questions

Industrial vitamin B12 is produced by controlled bacterial fermentation. Specific, non-pathogenic bacterial strains, such as Propionibacterium freudenreichii or Pseudomonas denitrificans, are cultivated in sterile laboratory conditions to produce the vitamin, which is then extracted and purified for human consumption.

Yes, bacteria in the human large intestine (colon) do produce B12. However, humans cannot absorb B12 from the colon because the absorption process occurs higher up in the small intestine. This means the B12 produced in the gut provides no nutritional benefit and is simply excreted.

The rumor is likely based on misinterpretations of historical or alternative uses of sewage sludge. There were old patents mentioning the use of treated sewage sludge for producing B12 for animal feed, but this has been incorrectly twisted into the notion that human-grade supplements are made from human waste.

Yes, the B12 in fortified foods like cereals and plant-based milks is completely safe. It is the same microbiologically produced B12 (typically cyanocobalamin) used in supplements and is subject to strict quality and safety regulations.

B12 is produced by bacteria, not animals. Animals consume these bacteria through their diet (e.g., from the soil on plants or in their gut flora) and absorb the vitamin, storing it in their tissues and dairy products. Humans then consume these animal products as a source of B12.

No, most modern B12 supplements are produced via bacterial fermentation in a controlled, sterile environment and are not derived from animal extracts. This makes them a suitable and reliable source for vegans and vegetarians.

The B12 found naturally in animal products is protein-bound and requires stomach acid for release and absorption. In contrast, the crystalline B12 (cyanocobalamin) in supplements and fortified foods is not protein-bound, making it easier for the body to absorb. Both forms are biologically effective after being converted by the body.