Discover the unique properties of Royal Green Vitamin B12!
Author of the article: Monique van der Vloed
For over 30 years, I’ve followed a vegetarian lifestyle (98% vegan), which is why I pay special attention to vitamin B12 and its supplementation. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can have serious health consequences, so it’s crucial to monitor its levels in the body.
In this article, you’ll learn about B12 supplementation, the unique process behind the creation of Royal Green’s B12, and the factors that influence its absorption.
In recent years, thousands of vitamin B12 supplements have entered the market — from synthetic to natural, from cheap to expensive. This motivated me to test various B12 vitamins. The conclusion? Most B12 supplements — like most supplements in general — are almost always synthetic. It doesn’t really matter whether you buy a cheap or an expensive version. Nearly all brands selling either methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin have exactly the same composition. What can make a difference are the fillers and additives used in the supplement. But in terms of effectiveness, they’re all the same. Yet, the price differences can be shocking.
Moreover, there are NO TRUE natural and/or 100% organic plant-based options — with one exception: the brand ROYAL GREEN.
Royal Green’s founder, Roy Jongens, went through an extensive brainstorming process to create vitamin B12 in the most natural form possible. The result is so unique that I decided to share more about it in this article. It’s impressive how much passion Roy puts into developing his products — especially to make them as close to Nature as possible.
Sometimes, I even think he’s a real wizard 😉
THE UNIQUE PROCESS BEHIND ROYAL GREEN’S VITAMIN B12
Royal Green’s Vitamin B12 is truly special and unique. Not only does it contain the most natural ingredients, but the methylcobalamin used is also fermented.
How exactly does this happen? I asked Roy:
- Roy uses the bioactive form of vitamin B12: methylcobalamin.
The substance is placed in a tank along with brewer’s yeast, sweet potatoes, and purified water. In this case, the sweet potato serves as a source of carbohydrates and protein. This forms a kind of “soup” in which the brewer’s yeast initiates the fermentation process. This living source begins to absorb all the nutrients and excretes various substances (including vitamin K, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes, and all essential amino acids). These substances are produced in very small amounts, which is why they are not listed on the label… but when you take Royal Green’s B12, you’re getting them too.
After fermentation, this mixture becomes a rich source of nutrients. When the brewer’s yeast “eats” the vitamin B12 and incorporates it into its own cellular structure, the B12 is biologically transformed from an inorganic (non-living) substance into a living (organic) one. Saccharomyces is now extremely rich in vitamin B12, among other nutrients. The yeast digests the vitamin B12 for us, making it part of itself. It is no longer isolated — it becomes food. Brewer’s yeast becomes nourishment for the body. - Brewer’s yeast is very tough to break down. That’s why Roy uses papaya enzymes to break it apart. As a result, the yeast cell walls disintegrate, and all the pre-digested nutrients (including B12, other B vitamins, K2, SOD, etc.) are released into the “soup.”
This is now pure food — and in the case of this B12, 70% is organically certified. That’s why Royal Green is allowed to say (in the USA): made with certified organic ingredients.
ADDITIONALLY, beyond the unique fermentation process, Roy’s use of sweet potatoes as a source of proteins and carbohydrates is also exceptional.
The sweet potato is also fermented and becomes part of the whole. As a result, the nutrient source is rich in protein. Royal Green calls this a “protein-linked nutrient.” This combination is a true and powerful “power house.” The body perceives the whole as food (ensuring maximum absorption and effect). Moreover, the plant-based capsule (called Plantcaps) is made from pullulan (naturally fermented from tapioca), which contains only a very small amount of potassium chloride and carrageenan (from algae). The entire product is, of course, 100% vegan.
I have tested many B12 supplements available on the market. Unfortunately, almost all of them contain sweeteners and magnesium stearate. Roy does not use any of these substances. Synthetic additives reduce the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Magnesium stearate forms a coating around active substances, making it harder for the body to a
bsorb them as intended.
As you've already read, Royal Green uses a unique process to produce vitamin B12 — and it’snot a cheap one. Nearly all B12 supplements are manufactured relatively inexpensively, yet their retail prices vary greatly. Roy chose a more costly production method, which means his supplements aren’t among the cheapest (125.99 PLN for 60 capsules). However, when you consider everything you’re getting in return, it’s truly a great deal.
ABSORPTION OF VITAMIN B12
Ipomoea batatas — Royal Green Vitamin B12 — Dietary Supplement
Royal Green’s vitamin B12 is by far the most bioavailable B12 on the market. Small-scale studies show that fermented vitamins are absorbed 10 to 60 times better by the body compared to isolated vitamins.
For example, you’d have to take 2500 mcg of regular methylcobalamin to achieve the same effect as 250 mcg of Royal Green’s fermented methylcobalamin. And that 250 mcg of B12 already equals 10,000% of the RDA — more than enough.
Unfortunately, people often misjudge the amount (in grams) of an ingredient in a supplement. The common thinking is “the more, the better,” but in most cases, that’s just not true. According to Roy, people should focus on the FORM and bioavailability/activity of a substance. Personally, I would never take cyanocobalamin, calcium carbonate (chalk), oxides, magnesium stearate (which reduces absorption of vitamins/minerals), titanium dioxide, etc. You’re not doing your body any favors that way… especially not with ultra-high doses.
For me, it is essential that my vitamin B12 supplementation consists of bioactive methylcobalamin.
HOW VITAMIN B12 IS ABSORBED AND THE ROLE OF THE INTRINSIC FACTOR
Royal Green’s vitamin B12 is very well absorbed, even if your absorption is impaired due to an issue with intrinsic factor — one of the most common causes of B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 can only be absorbed into the body after it binds with intrinsic factor. The inside of the stomach is lined with a thick layer of mucus. Within this mucosa are glands that include parietal cells. These cells produce hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor.
In the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum), vitamin B12 binds to intrinsic factor. This complex then travels through the small intestine to its final section (the ileum), where it binds to receptors. From there, B12 is transported through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, binds to transcobalamin (a transport protein), and is carried to all tissues and cells, where it is converted into methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.
A lack of intrinsic factor in pernicious anemia (also known as Addison-Biermer disease) can be caused by two mechanisms: the progressive destruction and eventual loss of parietal cells, leading to reduced production of intrinsic factor, and the body’s production of blocking antibodies that prevent the binding of intrinsic factor.
These antibodies against intrinsic factor are found only in pernicious anemia.
The presence of these antibodies indicates autoimmune inflammation of the stomach lining, which can ultimately lead to pernicious anemia. Intrinsic factor antibodies are of the IgG type and are found in 50%–70% of people with pernicious anemia. Their presence allows for the diagnosis of pernicious anemia and type A gastritis. However, a negative test result does not rule out pernicious anemia.
If you know that the stomach lining is damaged or if you’re taking antacids, it’s possible that the stomach lining (parietal cells) is no longer producing intrinsic factor — or is producing very little. This can ultimately lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Without intrinsic factor, the intestines cannot properly absorb B12.
For individuals suffering from pernicious anemia, Royal Green recommends opening the capsule (by separating the two halves) and placing the powder in the mouth to dissolve slowly. This allows vitamin B12 to be absorbed mainly through the mucous membrane of the mouth, bypassing the digestive system, which in this case is the source of the deficiency.
This is, of course, only necessary if you’re taking antacid medications or if your stomach lining is damaged.
It’s also important to know that the fermentation process (including the fermentation of organic sweet potatoes) ensures that the B12 has a protein-bound structure (essentially a pre-digested food), which leads to optimal functionality and absorption in the final section of the small intestine (the ileum).
SUPPLEMENTING WITH ROYAL GREEN VITAMIN B12: MY EXPERIENCE
I’ve been taking Royal Green’s vitamin B12 for a few weeks now. At first, I had a little trouble with the large capsule, but I easily managed it — I simply opened the capsules and consumed the powder directly (it tastes good!). I’ve since gotten used to the capsules and now swallow them normally.
So if you feel the capsules are a bit large, you can easily open them and add the powder directly to food — for example, into a smoothie, yogurt, cottage cheese, or any other meal. You can also just take it with a small amount of water.
I haven’t experienced any side effects, like stomach rumbling or anything of the sort. Royal Green’s B12 is a very pleasant and complete addition to my diet.
I know I might sound like an advertisement, but honestly, I’m very HAPPY with this B12 supplement!!!!!
It’s truly something I’ve been waiting for, for years.
I’m very grateful to Roy for his passion, because he makes us happy with his wonderful products — and I count vitamin B12 as one of his many gems.
I won’t hide the fact that I’m a huge fan of Royal Green. (Roy = name, ALL = everything, GREEN = green – even in the name Roy shows that he chooses only green solutions.)
Roy doesn’t choose the easiest path — but his own.
He wants to create products that are in pure harmony with Nature. That philosophy is very close to my heart, and I’m so happy that there is now a B12 supplement that aligns with my beliefs!
BIO: MONIQUE VAN DER VLOED
Monique van der Vloed
Dutch national, (natural) food expert, weight consultant, and critical health blogger. Advocate of Nature, organic food, and a healthy lifestyle. Monique’s journey with food began in childhood, assisting her grandmother in the kitchen. She later pursued her passion by studying dietetics and nutrition—first in America and then in the Netherlands. In addition to healthy eating, Monique also focuses on natural personal care and is deeply involved in sustainability.
Monique writes about herself:
“I became a critical health blogger and... I address pressing issues, investigate abuses, and go far beyond the average article on nutrition and health. On a daily basis, I keep up with the latest developments in healthy food and wellness. I regularly conduct my own research and explore new products hitting supermarket shelves.”
“My blogging is non-commercial; I don’t accept any payment for it. This is how I maintain my independence and honesty.”
“I believe it’s incredibly important to reduce ‘fast fashion’ and pay more attention to ‘slow fashion,’ also known as sustainable clothing. The same goes for durable kitchen tools and other household items. I think it’s crucial for people to become more aware.”
“I’m a firm believer in NO NONSENSE. And I do everything my way. I like to dig deeper than your average influencers in the fields of nutrition and sustainability. For me, making money isn’t a priority. Raising awareness and creating a better world is a thousand times more important. PEOPLE come first for me. And animals. And the environment — which we really should care about.”