Is There Really Human Waste in Your Energy Drink?

A Deep Dive into Cyanocobalamin—The Synthetic B12 in Red Bull, Monster, and More

Category: Health & Nutrition | Energy Drinks | Investigative Wellness
Target Audience: Men and women, 25–45, health-curious, gym-goers, gamers, busy professionals in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Mexico, Brazil
Word Count: 2500+ | Tone: Professional meets sarcastically informative

INTRODUCTION: Red Bull Gives You Wings… and Maybe Poop?

We live in a world where every label hides a secret. From mystery meats in microwave burritos to the “natural flavors” that might as well be spells from a sorcerer's book, the average dude just trying to get through a workday or a gym session is bombarded by ingredients that sound more like a pharmaceutical catalog than food.

Today’s offender: Cyanocobalamin, aka synthetic vitamin B12, the nutrient hero in your favorite energy drinks—Red Bull, Monster, 5-Hour Energy, you name it. And the burning question echoing through Reddit threads and wellness blogs?

"Is this stuff made from human poop?"

Yep. We're going there. Let’s uncap the can on this tale of science, sewage, and synthetic vitamins to find out what’s really in your drink.

THE “C” IN CYANOCOBALAMIN: SYNTHETIC VITAMIN B12 DEMYSTIFIED

What Is Cyanocobalamin, Really?

Cyanocobalamin is one of the most common forms of vitamin B12 used in fortified foods and supplements. It’s a synthetic version of a nutrient we need to function—essential for red blood cell production, brain health, DNA synthesis, and helping you not feel like a zombie after leg day.

Why “Cyano”?

Because it contains a cyanide molecule. (Yes, that cyanide. No, you’re not being poisoned.) It’s present in such trace amounts that it’s metabolically insignificant—like bringing a water balloon to a forest fire.

Why Use the Synthetic Form?

• Stable in products like energy drinks

• Cheap to mass produce

• Easy to absorb (though not the most efficient long-term)

In short, it’s the Costco-brand version of a vitamin your body desperately needs when your diet consists of beef jerky and protein powder.

MYTH VS. SCIENCE: THE ORIGIN STORY OF CYANOCOBALAMIN

The Poop Myth: Does B12 Come From Human Waste?

Here’s where the urban legend meets science class.

Some wellness “truthers” claim B12 supplements and energy drinks are made using sewage sludge, implying you're sipping on flavored toilet water.

Let’s unpack that juicy rumor.

Truth Bomb #1: Yes, B12 Can Be Derived From Bacteria in Human Gut Waste

B12 is only produced by bacteria—not animals, not plants. So technically, gut flora (yes, the same microbes in poop) produce B12. This is true for humans and animals.

But before you throw your Red Bull across the room:

Industrial B12 isn’t made from your actual poop. It’s made from bacteria that can also be found in the gut—but cultivated under controlled lab fermentation.

Truth Bomb #2: Most Cyanocobalamin Is Made from Industrial Fermentation

Manufacturers like BASF and Merck grow Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Pseudomonas denitrificans, or Streptomyces griseus in massive industrial tanks. Think of it like beer brewing, but instead of a buzz, you get a vitamin injection.

They feed these bacteria sugars and nutrients, let them ferment, and then extract the B12—not from poop, but from the broth. It’s filtered, purified, crystallized, and finally converted into the cyanocobalamin form.

Bottom line? No poop scoops, just biotech wizardry.

B12 VS. YOUR BODY: WHO ACTUALLY NEEDS THIS STUFF?

Men, Listen Up: Why B12 Matters to You

Low B12 can result in:

• Chronic fatigue

• Brain fog

• Mood issues

• Muscle weakness

• Erectile dysfunction (yep, now I’ve got your attention)

If you're a guy juggling a full-time job, CrossFit, late-night Warzone sessions, or chasing toddlers across your living room, you're probably burning more B12 than you think.

Especially at risk:

• Vegans/vegetarians

• Heavy drinkers

• Over-35 crowd

• Users of acid reflux meds (PPIs)

• Men with gut issues (IBS, Crohn’s)

Energy drinks try to counteract all this by jacking up B12 content—some packing up to 500% of your daily needs. Problem is, your body pees out the excess like it's no big deal. Literally expensive urine.

NATURAL VS. SYNTHETIC B12: SHOULD YOU BE WORRIED?

Other Forms of B12 You Could Be Taking

• Methylcobalamin – Naturally occurring, more bioavailable

• Hydroxocobalamin – Used in B12 injections

• Adenosylcobalamin – Found in mitochondria (aka your energy factories)

Compared to cyanocobalamin, these forms are:

• Better retained in your tissues

• Less dependent on liver conversion

• More expensive to produce

So Why Do Companies Stick with Cyanocobalamin?

Because it’s like the McDouble of vitamins: cheap, available everywhere, and legally counts as food even if it’s barely recognizable as such.

MICROBIOLOGY 101: WHAT’S REALLY INSIDE THAT CAN?

Let’s break down a typical energy drink label and highlight what you should actually be worried about (spoiler: it’s not B12).

IngredientReal ConcernFun FactCyanocobalaminNah, you’re goodMay help prevent anemiaTaurineStill under researchFound naturally in bull bile (but not sourced from it in drinks anymore)CaffeineDose-dependent riskEquivalent of 1–3 espressos per canSugarBig yikesSome cans = more sugar than a doughnutArtificial colors/flavorsDepends on brandRed 40 doesn’t make you angry, but sugar spikes mightNiacin (B3)Flush effectThat hot, red face? Not just embarrassment

THE CULTURAL SIDE: ENERGY DRINKS GLOBALLY

Let’s take a pit stop around the world and see how men across the globe get their fix:

Germany

Red Bull is huge. So is skepticism. Germans favor organic and clean-label alternatives—cue B12-enriched yerba mate teas.

Brazil

Energy shots and B12 pills are booming. The beach bodies demand it, bro.

Mexico

The macho hustle culture and late nights fuel Monster sales—but the public health crowd is raising concerns about sugar + stimulants combo.

Canada

Health Canada restricts caffeine levels in drinks, but B12? All good, eh.

USA

The Wild West of energy consumption. If it fizzes, you’ll drink it. B12? Only worried if it was injected by a lizard man.

SO... IS YOUR ENERGY DRINK GROSS OR SAFE?

Let’s lay this myth to rest with a simple breakdown:

ClaimVerdictEnergy drink B12 is made from poop❌ False. It’s made via bacteria, but not sewage-based.Cyanide in cyanocobalamin is dangerous❌ False. Trace amounts, totally safe.B12 in energy drinks is synthetic✅ True. And that’s okay.There are better B12 forms out there✅ True. But they cost more.Energy drinks are harmful because of B12❌ False. The sugar, caffeine, and overconsumption are bigger issues.