I require injections of B-12 to exist and have regularly taken cyanocobalamin for 35 years. There is nothing wrong with cyanocobalamin and the manufacturing process. Cyanocobalamin is just one of a large number of medicines coming from China and that is a concern, but is hardly unique to cyanocobalamin.
Source Material: The starting material for the production of cyanocobalamin can be bacterial biomass that naturally produces vitamin B12 analogues. Certain strains of Pseudomonas and Propionibacterium are commonly used due to their high yield of B12.
Fermentation: The bacteria are cultured in large fermenters under controlled conditions to maximize the production of B12 analogues. This process involves the fermentation of suitable substrates, such as glucose or glycerol, under anaerobic conditions.
Extraction and Purification: After fermentation, the biomass is harvested, and the vitamin B12 analogues are extracted. The extraction process typically involves the use of solvents or ion exchange chromatography.
Conversion to Cyanocobalamin: The extracted B12 analogues are then chemically converted into cyanocobalamin. This involves the replacement of the lower ligand (part of the molecule attached to the central cobalt ion) with a cyanide group. The cyanide group is introduced through a chemical reaction, often involving the use of potassium cyanide (KCN) under controlled conditions to ensure safety and efficiency.
Final Purification and Formulation: The cyanocobalamin is further purified to remove any impurities and then formulated into the desired product form, such as tablets, injections, or food additives.
Ok, so you trust the Chinese to purify the stuff?