Is VitaminB12 Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a supplement is kosher, we look beyond the active vitamin to the "inactive" ingredients that form the tablet. In the case of this VitaminB12 supplement, the formulation is surprisingly clean from a kosher perspective. The active ingredient, Methylcobalamin, is a form of Vitamin B12 and is inherently kosher as it is synthesized in a lab, not derived from animal tissue.

The bulk of the tablet consists of fillers and binders. Ingredients like Mannitol and Maltodextrin are carbohydrates derived from plant sources (usually corn or potato) and are universally kosher. We also see Microcrystalline Cellulose, which is essentially refined wood pulp—a standard, kosher-friendly binder used in thousands of supplements.

Flow agents and lubricants are often a point of concern, specifically Stearic Acid. In the past, stearic acid was sometimes sourced from animal fat (tallow). However, in modern pharmaceutical manufacturing, stearic acid is almost exclusively derived from vegetable oils. Given the lack of any "animal" flag in the product data, we can confidently state this is vegetable-derived. Similarly, Magnesium Stearate (a salt of stearic acid) follows the same logic and is considered kosher.

Finally, we look at the coating and flavoring. The tablet uses Triacetin and Gum Arabic for coating and stability—both are plant-derived. The color comes from Red Beet Root, and the flavor is Natural Cherry. There are no red dyes like cochineal (which is insect-derived and non-kosher) or dairy-based carriers. The sweetener Sucralose is synthetic and kosher. Therefore, the entire ingredient profile passes the kosher test.

Nutritional Value

While we focus on kosher status, the nutritional profile of Vitamin B12 is equally important. This specific supplement is designed for high potency rather than caloric intake. The tablet contains negligible calories, fat, or protein. The carbohydrates present, such as Maltodextrin and Mannitol, are present in very small amounts per serving and do not significantly impact daily caloric limits.

Regarding sugar content, the tablet uses Sucralose and Maltodextrin. Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener, and while Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate, the amount per tablet is minimal. This makes the supplement suitable for those monitoring sugar intake, including diabetics (though consultation with a doctor is always advised). The inclusion of Methylcobalamin supports energy metabolism, nerve health, and red blood cell formation, making it a vital supplement regardless of the minor filler content.