Modified Spirulina produces active vitamin B12 at beef-comparable levels
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · May 3
Modified Spirulina produces active vitamin B12 at beef-comparable levels
7 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · May 3
Led by Dr Asaf Tzachor, the study found 1.64 µg per 100g in photosynthetically controlled Spirulina, with more than 98% in active form.
The enclosed, artificially lit photobioreactor system, developed with VAXA Technologies in Iceland, altered metabolism without genetic modification and kept the B12 profile stable over nine months.
Researchers say the carbon-neutral approach could help address deficiency affecting more than one billion people while reducing reliance on emissions-intensive meat and dairy; Iceland scale-up models suggest output could meet millions of children’s needs.
Can Iceland's carbon-neutral Spirulina farms be replicated globally to truly combat widespread vitamin B12 deficiency?
This algae produces B12 without gene editing, but what are the long-term health implications of altering its metabolism?
With B12-rich algae and fortified peas emerging, which will become the go-to sustainable source for this essential vitamin?
Scaling Bioengineered Spirulina to Combat Vitamin B12 Deficiency for Millions Using Renewable Energy
Overview
In April 2025, Dr. Asaf Tzachor's team announced a breakthrough bioengineering Spirulina to produce active vitamin B12, overcoming the natural limitation of pseudo-B12. Using precise light control in photobioreactors powered by Iceland's renewable geothermal and hydroelectric energy, they achieved carbon-neutral cultivation with B12 levels exceeding those in beef. Iceland's abundant clean energy could support large-scale production, meeting the vitamin B12 needs of millions of children annually. This innovation offers significant nutritional and environmental benefits, including high protein content and drastically lower land, water, and greenhouse gas footprints. While challenges remain in human trials, taste, and regulation, this technology holds great promise to address global B12 deficiency sustainably and reshape food markets.