The Claim
The E. coli B834 (DE3) assay specifically detects vitamin B12 in complex biological extracts and does not produce a growth response in the absence of vitamin B12, even when methionine and other nutrients are present at physiologically relevant concentrations.
What the research says
Not yet evaluated
We are still looking at what the research says.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
The E. coli B834 (DE3) assay reliably identifies vitamin B12 in biological samples by only growing when vitamin B12 is present, and it does not grow when other nutrients like methionine are present instead.
See the scientific wording
The E. coli B834 (DE3) assay can detect vitamin B12 in complex biological extracts without interference from methionine at physiologically relevant concentrations, as demonstrated by the absence of growth in non-B12-producing extracts despite the presence of other nutrients.
E. coli bacteria that cannot make their own methionine need vitamin B12 to convert a precursor molecule into methionine. Without vitamin B12, methionine is not made, and the bacteria cannot grow, even if other nutrients are present. When vitamin B12 is available, it activates an enzyme that produces methionine, allowing the bacteria to build proteins and multiply, which is detected as increased cell density.
What the research says
1 studyThis bacteria only grows when vitamin B12 is present—even if other food-like nutrients are around—so it’s a reliable B12 detector that won’t give false alarms.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.