Tag: Bacterial fermentation

According to the Cleveland Clinic, vitamin K2 is primarily synthesized by bacteria. It is created through processes such as microbial fermentation, large-scale chemical synthesis, and by the microorganisms within the gut. This exploration will cover the distinct methods used to produce vitamin K2 for supplements and food sources.

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient that is exclusively synthesized by certain bacteria and archaea, not by plants or animals directly. This fact is critical to understanding what are B12 vitamins made from and why supplementation is necessary for many people, especially those on a plant-based diet.

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.

Did you know that no animal, not even a human, can produce its own vitamin B12? This essential nutrient is exclusively synthesized by certain bacteria and archaea, which means that the commercial production of cyanocobalamin is not dependent on animals.

With the global population predicted to reach 9.3 billion by 2050, the demand for sustainable protein is rising exponentially, putting pressure on traditional agriculture. This has led researchers to revisit the question: Can you get protein from bacteria, and is it a viable, nutritious solution for the future? As a rapidly growing and protein-rich resource, bacteria offer a compelling alternative for large-scale protein production.

While most naturally occurring vitamins come from plants or animals, a synthetic form of Vitamin B12, known as cyanocobalamin, is produced exclusively through industrial microbial fermentation. This process involves a combination of bacterial activity and chemical purification, making it a reliable and stable ingredient for supplements and fortified foods.

A 2017 review published in PubMed confirms that vitamin B12 is synthesized exclusively by certain bacteria and archaea, not by plants or animals directly. The common misconception that B12 comes from animals stems from the fact that animals consume and store this bacteria-produced vitamin, making animal-derived foods a source for human consumption.

Over 20% of the world's population follows some form of a vegetarian or flexitarian diet, highlighting the growing importance of plant-based nutrition. For those on a vegetarian or vegan diet, a common and critical question is: **Are B12 supplements vegetarian**? The answer, for the vast majority of supplements, is yes, because the vitamin is not derived from animal products.