Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has provided clarity on use of methylcobalamin in health supplements, medical purposes and nutraceutical products.
Current Position
- The Union Health Ministry’s decision to lift the ban on methylcobalamin is yet to be formalised.
- The Government of India’s Scientific Committee approved the molecule’s safety in 2019. The necessary gazette notification to officially lift the ban is still pending.
About Methylcobalamin
- Methylcobalamin is the activated form of Vitamin B12, available as an oral medicine.
- As per the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2022, the permitted forms of Vitamin B12 currently include cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.
- The FSSAI regulations also stipulate that the level of Vitamin B12 in products must not exceed one Recommended Dietary Allowance except in specific categories such as Food for Special Medical Purposes and Food for Special Dietary Use.
- Most of the Indian population is deficient of methylcobalamin due to a number of factors and most important among them is the higher vegetarian population.
- Best source for methylcobalamin is milk and milk products.
About Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B12, a crucial water-soluble vitamin, is integral to DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and neurological function.
- Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to serious health consequences, often requiring supplementation.
(Source: BL)
