Tag: Photolysis

In a study on milk stored in clear glass bottles, up to 85% of riboflavin was destroyed when exposed to sunlight. This dramatic degradation happens because riboflavin is highly photosensitive, meaning it is quickly inactivated and broken down into other compounds when exposed to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) and short-wavelength visible light.

According to scientific research, aqueous solutions of cyanocobalamin, a common form of B12, are known to be sensitive to light. The answer to whether vitamin B12 has to be protected from light is a definitive yes, as exposure can significantly degrade its potency and stability. This is especially critical for liquid formulations and injectable forms of the vitamin, where photodegradation occurs more rapidly.

Research has demonstrated that vitamin B12 in aqueous solutions is photolabile, meaning it degrades when exposed to light. This makes vitamin B12 light sensitive, particularly in liquid formulations like injectable solutions and oral drops, but the impact varies depending on the form and intensity of light exposure.

In a study on aqueous folic acid solutions, degradation of the vitamin dramatically increased at pH values below 4, with the half-life falling from over 700 hours to just 24–64 hours, a key insight into what are the degradation pathways of folic acid. This synthetic form of folate, while more stable than its natural counterpart, remains highly susceptible to various environmental factors that can diminish its nutritional value.

According to extensive research, aqueous solutions of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) are significantly degraded when exposed to light, with the rate of destruction varying depending on the light source and intensity. This process, known as photolysis, can compromise the vitamin's potency and effectiveness, making proper storage crucial for maintaining its nutritional value.