Scientists discovered an interesting way that vitamin B12 gets released into the ocean. Certain bacteria make vitamin B12 but don’t naturally share it. When viruses infect these bacteria, they break open the cells and release the B12 into the water. This B12 then helps other ocean organisms, like tiny algae, grow and survive. This research suggests that viruses may play a hidden but important role in keeping ocean ecosystems healthy by distributing essential vitamins that many organisms need.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether viruses that infect ocean bacteria can cause those bacteria to release vitamin B12 into the water, and whether this released B12 helps other ocean organisms grow
  • Who participated: Laboratory experiments using specific ocean bacteria (Sulfitobacter sp. M39), viruses that infect those bacteria, and tiny ocean algae (Thalassiosira pseudonana)
  • Key finding: When viruses infected the bacteria, vitamin B12 was released into the water, and this B12 allowed the algae to grow much faster than they could without it
  • What it means for you: This research helps explain how ocean ecosystems stay balanced. While this is basic ocean science rather than human health advice, it shows how interconnected nature is and how viruses play important roles beyond just causing disease

The Research Details

Scientists conducted controlled laboratory experiments to test their ideas. First, they isolated viruses that specifically attack a type of ocean bacteria called Sulfitobacter sp. M39. They then grew these bacteria alone and exposed them to the viruses to see what would happen. In a second experiment, they created a more complex setup with both the bacteria and tiny ocean algae living together, then added the viruses to see how all three organisms interacted.

The researchers measured several things: how many viruses were present, how much the bacteria grew, how much vitamin B12 appeared in the water, and how well the algae grew. By comparing what happened with viruses versus without viruses, they could determine whether the viruses were actually causing B12 to be released.

This experimental approach is important because it mimics what might happen in real ocean environments. By testing in controlled conditions first, scientists can understand the basic mechanism before studying the complex ocean. The step-by-step approach—testing bacteria alone, then with viruses, then with other organisms—helps prove that viruses are actually responsible for the B12 release.

This is original research published in a scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. The experiments used specific, measurable outcomes (counting viruses, measuring B12 levels, observing algae growth). The researchers tested their ideas in multiple ways—first with just bacteria and viruses, then with a more realistic scenario including other organisms. However, this is laboratory research, so results may differ in the actual ocean environment.

What the Results Show

When viruses were added to the bacteria culture, several clear changes happened. The number of virus particles increased significantly, showing that the viruses were successfully infecting the bacteria. At the same time, the bacterial population decreased, indicating that the viruses were killing the bacteria cells. Most importantly, measurable amounts of vitamin B12 appeared in the water surrounding the bacteria—B12 that hadn’t been there before.

In the more complex experiment with bacteria, viruses, and algae all together, the results were even more striking. When viruses were added, the tiny algae began growing much faster than they did without viruses. This happened because the viruses released B12 from the bacteria, and the algae could then use that B12 to grow. Without the viruses, the algae grew slowly because they couldn’t access the B12 that the bacteria were keeping to themselves.

The research shows that the bacteria (Sulfitobacter sp. M39) are ‘B12-retainers,’ meaning they make vitamin B12 but don’t voluntarily release it into the water. This is important because it explains why B12 can be scarce in the ocean even though some bacteria produce it. The study also demonstrates that viruses are not just harmful agents that kill bacteria—they can actually play a positive role in ocean ecosystems by making essential nutrients available to other organisms.

Previous research had shown that vitamin B12 is scarce in many ocean environments, even though some bacteria can make it. Scientists knew that some bacteria keep B12 to themselves rather than sharing it. This study provides a new explanation for how B12 actually gets distributed in the ocean—through viral infection and cell lysis (breaking open). This mechanism hadn’t been clearly demonstrated before, so this research fills an important gap in understanding ocean nutrient cycles.

This research was conducted in laboratory conditions with specific bacteria and viruses, which may not perfectly represent what happens in the vast, complex ocean. The study focused on one particular bacterium and one type of virus, so the results may not apply to all ocean bacteria and viruses. Additionally, the researchers didn’t measure how often this process actually occurs in real ocean environments, so we don’t know how important it is compared to other ways B12 might be released. The sample sizes and specific numbers of organisms tested weren’t detailed in the abstract, which limits our ability to assess the statistical strength of the findings.

The Bottom Line

This is basic ocean science research rather than health advice, so there are no direct recommendations for people to follow. However, the research suggests that viruses play important roles in ocean ecosystems that scientists are still discovering. If you’re interested in ocean health or marine biology, this research shows why studying all organisms—including viruses—is important for understanding how nature works.

Ocean scientists, marine biologists, and people interested in understanding how ocean ecosystems function should find this research interesting. It’s particularly relevant for researchers studying ocean nutrient cycles, vitamin availability in marine environments, and the ecological roles of viruses. This is not directly applicable to human nutrition or health decisions.

This research describes a mechanism that likely happens continuously in ocean environments. The laboratory experiments showed immediate effects (viruses infecting bacteria and B12 being released within the timeframe of the experiment), but the real-world importance of this process in actual oceans would need further study to determine.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • This research doesn’t apply to personal health tracking. However, if you use an app to track ocean health or marine science learning, you could note this discovery as an example of how viruses contribute to ecosystem balance.
  • This research is educational rather than actionable for personal behavior. It might inspire interest in marine science or ocean conservation, but it doesn’t suggest specific changes to diet or lifestyle.
  • For those interested in ocean science, this research could be part of monitoring your understanding of marine ecosystems and how different organisms interact. It’s not relevant for personal health monitoring.

This research describes ocean microbiology and marine nutrient cycles, not human nutrition or health. It does not provide guidance for vitamin B12 supplementation or dietary choices. If you have concerns about your vitamin B12 levels, consult with a healthcare provider. This study was conducted in laboratory conditions and may not directly reflect what occurs in natural ocean environments. The findings are preliminary and represent one study; more research is needed to fully understand the role of viral infection in ocean vitamin cycles.