nutrient
Cyanocobalamin
A stable manufactured form of vitamin B12 used in fortified foods and supplements.
Cyanocobalamin is converted into active coenzyme forms in the body. Its chemical name should be kept visible on product records.
What the form means
Cyanocobalamin is a common B12 form because of its stability. It is chemically distinct from methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.
Forms
Cyanocobalamin is a form of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin).
Cyanocobalamin is a named chemical form within its parent vitamin family.
Worth knowing
A stable added form of B12. Cyanocobalamin is a common vitamin B12 form in fortified foods and supplements. The body converts it to the coenzyme forms used in B12-dependent reactions.
A closer look
“Active” does not settle absorption
Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are active coenzyme forms, while cyanocobalamin is converted to them. NIH ODS reports no evidence that absorption rates from supplements vary by B12 form, so an “active” label alone does not establish greater effectiveness.
References
Source-checked local draft.
Human editorial review pending.