Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that contains the metal cobalt and is a micronutrient required by the human body. It acts as a coenzyme in the synthesis of DNA, the production of red blood cells, and the functioning of the nervous system. It has a corrin ring structure with a central cobalt atom and several biological forms, such as methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Interestingly, vitamin B12 is produced only by certain microorganisms and is found naturally in animal products. In the human body, it is a key component in the metabolism of homocysteine and the maintenance of myelin sheaths, thus playing a vital role in the functions of the brain, energy, and the hematological system.
Vitamin B12 has numerous applications in the pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, and food industries, as well as in animal feed. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is mainly used for the treatment and prevention of megaloblastic anemia, pernicious anemia, and neuropathies due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Injectable preparations of cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin are widely used for the rapid treatment of severe deficiency, especially in patients with malabsorption syndromes or post-gastrointestinal surgery patients. Oral and sublingual preparations are also popular for long-term use.
In the nutraceutical market, vitamin B12 is added to multivitamin tablets, B-complex capsules, functional drinks, gummies, and energy supplements. It is often touted as a prominent ingredient in products aimed at fatigue management, brain health, and metabolism. With the rising trend of plant-based diets, vitamin B12 supplements have gained significance, as people following vegan and vegetarian diets are more prone to deficiencies owing to the scarcity of natural sources.
In the food and beverage sector, vitamin B12 is used as a fortifying agent in cereals, plant-based milk alternatives, nutritional yeast, and infant formulas to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Various public health campaigns in different parts of the world advocate the use of vitamin B12 fortification to lower the incidence of anemia. In animal feed, vitamin B12 is used in poultry, swine, and ruminant feed to improve growth performance, feed efficiency, and health, thereby indirectly contributing to improved meat and dairy production.
The global vitamins market reached a value of USD 16.4 Billion in 2025. According to IMARC Group, the market is projected to reach USD 25.9 Billion by 2034, at a projected CAGR of 5.07% during 2026-2034.
The vitamin B12 market is driven by a set of factors, both demographic and lifestyle-related. The first major factor is the increasing incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency. Older people are more likely to have lower intrinsic factor secretion, making them more dependent on supplements and prescription drugs. At the same time, the increasing popularity of vegan and flexitarian diets worldwide is systemically driving the demand for external sources of vitamin B12, as vegan diets are not rich in this vitamin.
The increasing awareness of consumers about preventive healthcare and the optimization of micronutrients is another major factor driving the demand for vitamin B12. The awareness created by the pandemic about healthcare and wellness has driven the demand for immune-boosters and energy-boosters, in which vitamin B12 is a major component. The nutraceuticals and functional foods market, especially in the Asia-Pacific and North American markets, has opened up innovation pipelines for products containing bioavailable vitamin B12, such as methylcobalamin.
From an industrial standpoint, the technological advancements in microbial fermentation processes have enhanced production efficiency and scalability, allowing for cost optimization and market penetration. Pharmaceutical-grade vitamin B12 remains poised to benefit from rising cases of anemia and neuropathic diseases, thanks to improved access to healthcare in the emerging markets of developing nations.
In the animal nutrition market, the growing trend of intensified livestock production and the need for productivity enhancement create a sustained demand for B12 in feed premixes. The growing aquaculture industry further fuels incremental demand. Finally, the standardization of regulations and quality standards in the global markets boosts consumer confidence and facilitates the flow of trade in international markets. These factors combined shape a robust yet moderately growth-oriented market environment for vitamin B12 production.
One of our clients reached out to us to conduct a feasibility study for setting up a medium scale vitamin B12 manufacturing plant.
We developed a comprehensive financial model for the setup and operation of a proposed vitamin B12 manufacturing plant in India. This plant is designed to manufacture 2 tons of vitamin B12 annually.
Manufacturing Process: Vitamin B12 production is mainly a microbial fermentation process, as the chemical synthesis of vitamin B12 is not economically feasible on a large scale because of the complexity of the molecule. The process mainly employs genetically modified strains of Pseudomonas denitrificans or Propionibacterium freudenreichii, which are known to produce maximum cobalamin. The process involves the preparation of a seed culture, where the production organism is grown in aseptic conditions and then transferred to large fermentation bioreactors. The fermentation process is carried out under carefully controlled conditions of temperature, pH, aeration, agitation, and nutrient feeding. The media used for fermentation typically contain carbon sources (glucose or molasses), nitrogen sources, cobalt salts (as cobalt is the central metal atom in cobalamin), and specific precursors such as 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole to increase the yield efficiency. The fermentation time may vary depending on the strain and the process, and it may take several days to allow maximum intracellular B12 accumulation.
After the fermentation process, the downstream processing involves cell separation by centrifugation or filtration. However, because vitamin B12 is mainly found inside the cells, cell breakage is necessary using heat treatment or mechanical disruption to harvest the compound. The crude extract is then subjected to purification processes, which involve precipitation, solvent extraction, and a series of chromatographic steps to eliminate impurities and concentrate the target compound. The purified compound is then converted to a commercial form, such as cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin, through stabilization reactions. The final steps involve crystallization, drying (usually by spray or vacuum drying), milling, and standardized potency adjustment. Rigorous quality control testing, including assay strength, microbial limits, heavy metals, and residual solvents, is performed to meet the regulatory requirements for a pharmaceutical or feed-grade product.

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Our financial model for the vitamin B12 manufacturing plant was meticulously developed to meet the client’s objectives, providing an in-depth analysis of production costs, including raw materials, manufacturing, capital expenditure, and operational expenses. By addressing the specific requirements of manufacturing 2 tons of vitamin B12 annually, we successfully identified key cost drivers and projected profitability, considering market trends, inflation, and potential fluctuations in raw material prices. This comprehensive financial model equipped the client with valuable insights into strategic decision-making, demonstrating our commitment to delivering high-quality, client-focused solutions that ensure the long-term success of large-scale manufacturing ventures.
IMARC is a global market research company that offers a wide range of services, including market entry and expansion, market entry and opportunity assessment, competitive intelligence and benchmarking, procurement research, pricing and cost research, regulatory approvals and licensing, factory setup, factory auditing, company incorporation, incubation services, recruitment services, and marketing and sales.
Under our factory setup services, we assist our clients in exploring the feasibility of their plants by providing comprehensive financial modeling. Additionally, we offer end-to-end consultation for setting up a plant in India or abroad. Our financial modeling includes an analysis of capital expenditure (CapEx) required to establish the manufacturing facility, covering costs such as land acquisition, building infrastructure, purchasing high-tech production equipment, and installation. Furthermore, the layout and design of the factory significantly influence operational efficiency, energy consumption, and labor productivity, all of which impact long-term operational expenditure (OpEx). So, every parameter is covered in the analysis.
At IMARC, we leverage our comprehensive market research expertise to support companies in every aspect of their business journey, from market entry and expansion to operational efficiency and innovation. By integrating our factory setup services with our deep knowledge of industry dynamics, we empower our clients to not only establish manufacturing facilities but also strategically position themselves in highly competitive markets. Our financial modeling and end-to-end consultation services ensure that clients can explore the feasibility of their plant setups while also gaining insights into competitors' strategies, technological advancements, and regulatory landscapes. This holistic approach enables our clients to make informed decisions, optimize their operations, and align with sustainable practices, ultimately driving long-term success and growth.
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