8 of the best vitamin B complex supplements

Vitamin B complex supplements usually contain all eight B vitamins. A person may consider taking these supplements to prevent vitamin B deficiency.
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Research suggests that vitamins are essential for health, growth, development, reproduction, and maintenance. One of these essential vitamins is vitamin B.
Research
vitamin B
This article explores vitamin B complex supplements in more detail, including a list of products.
Best subscription: Care/of B-Complex
Care/of B-Complex
Best for vegetarians: Life Extension BioActive Complete B-Complex
Life Extension BioActive Complete B-Complex
Best liquid: World Organic Ultra-B Liquid
World Organic Ultra-B Liquid
Best with vitamin C: Nature’s Bounty Super B-Complex
Nature’s Bounty Super B-Complex
Best with calcium: Bronson Vitamin B Complex Sustained Release
Bronson Vitamin B Complex Sustained Release
Best for children: MegaFood Kids B Complex
MegaFood Kids B Complex
Best organic: New Chapter Fermented Coenzyme B Complex
New Chapter Fermented Coenzyme B Complex
Best for lower budgets: Nurish by NatureMade Super B Energy Complex
Nurish by NatureMade Super B Energy Complex
What is Vitamin B?
B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins. There are eight different B vitamins:
B vitamins
B1 (thiamin)
B1 (thiamin)
B2 (riboflavin)
B2 (riboflavin)
B3 (niacin)
B3 (niacin)
B5 (pantothenic acid)
B5 (pantothenic acid)
B6 (pyridoxine)
B6 (pyridoxine)
B7 (biotin)
B7 (biotin)
B9 (folate)
B9 (folate)
B12
B12
Vitamin B complex supplements usually contain all eight of these vitamins.
Vitamin B complex
The body uses B vitamins in various processes, including:
including
the formation of red blood cells.
energy production.
brain development.
immune function.
healthy cell function.
For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub.
dedicated hub
Vitamin B complex vs. vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is one of the eight B vitamins. Some types of meat and other animal products contain vitamin B12.
The body uses vitamin B12 for processes, including:
including
red blood cell formation
DNA synthesis
brain cell function
nerve cell function
A vitamin B complex supplement may offer more benefits, as it generally contains all eight B vitamins, including vitamin B12.
However, a person may wish to discuss which vitamins could benefit them with a doctor.
How to choose vitamin B complex supplements
A person should look for vitamin B complex supplements that:
Are from a trusted manufacturer.
Have been tested by an independent third-party lab.
Suit their diet. For example, a supplement containing gelatin would not be suitable for vegans.
vegans
Some people may also prefer to choose supplements that are chewable or in liquid form.
Some of the best vitamin B complex supplements
In the section below we list eight of the best vitamin B complex supplements.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here.
Care/of B-Complex
Care/of is a vitamin subscription service. The company automatically despatches orders on a monthly basis.
Care/of
One capsule contains all eight B vitamins, plus choline and inositol.
choline
This vitamin B-complex supplement is vegan, gluten-free, and does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
gluten
genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
The price is $13 for a 1-month supply.
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Life Extension BioActive Complete B-Complex
Life Extension provides a 30-day supply of vitamin B complex capsules. A serving size is two capsules.
two capsules
Additional ingredients include inositol and calcium.
calcium
They state that this is suitable for vegetarians, is gluten-free, and non-GMO.
This product costs $9. A person may also choose to subscribe and save $1.
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World Organic Ultra-B Liquid
This product is a vitamin B complex in raisin juice concentrate, so it may be more suitable for people who struggle with swallowing pills.
It contains all eight B vitamins, plus choline, inositol, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).
The serving size is one tablespoon daily.
The company does not state if this product is gluten-free or suitable for vegans.
The price is $10.70 for an 8 fluid ounce (fl oz) bottle.
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Nature’s Bounty Super B-Complex
These coated tablets contain vitamin C in addition to all eight B vitamins. They also contain vegetable cellulose and calcium carbonate.
vitamin C
calcium
Nature’s Bounty claims they are gluten- and sugar-free, non-GMO, and suitable for vegetarians.
Nature’s Bounty
These supplements cost around $16.99 for 150 tablets on Amazon.
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Bronson Vitamin B Complex Sustained Release
Bronson claims these tablets provide a slow release. A pack contains 250 tablets.
In addition to the eight B vitamins, the tablets also contain calcium.
The product is free from gluten, soy, and is non-GMO. They do not state if it is suitable for vegans.
soy
The price is $39.99 and a person can save 20% with a subscription.
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MegaFood Kids B Complex
According to MegaFood, this product is suitable for kids aged 5 years and up.
The tablets contain all eight B vitamins plus zinc.
zinc
The product is vegetarian, non-GMO, and certified kosher. It is also free from gluten, dairy, and soy.
kosher
It costs $18.16 for a 30-day supply.
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New Chapter Fermented Coenzyme B Complex
This product contains blends of organic ingredients, in addition to the eight B vitamins.
These tablets are non-GMO, gluten-free, and suitable for vegans.
The company claims it only uses organic products in its formulas. It has organic certification from the International Certification Services (ICS).
International Certification Services (ICS)
The price is $30 for 30 tablets.
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Nurish by Nature Made Super B Energy Complex
Nurish by NatureMade is a subscription service. It offers gluten-free vitamin B complex supplements that contain no artificial flavors or preservatives.
One softgel contains all eight B vitamins.
This product is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
This supplement costs $6.67 for a one-off purchase or $6.00 per month for a 30-day supply.
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Product comparison
The table below compares the eight vitamin B complex supplements listed in the section above:
Care/of
Life Extension
World Organic
Nature’s Bounty
Bronson Vitamins
MegaFood Kids
New Chapter
Nurish by Nature Made
How much vitamin B can a person take?
Recommended daily allowances (RDA) vary depending on a person’s stage in life. The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommend the following daily allowances for adults:
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Vitamin B1 (thiamin): 1.2 milligrams (mg) for men, 1.1 mg for women.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 1.3 mg for men, 1.1 mg for women.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (niacin): 16 mg for men, 14 mg for women.
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 5 mg for adults over 19 years.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Vitamin B6: 1.3 mg for adults age 19-50, 1.7 mg for men age 50+, 1.5 mg for women age 50+.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B7 (biotin): 30 micrograms (mcg) for adults over 19 years.
Vitamin B7 (biotin)
Vitamin B9 (folate): 400 mcg for adults over 19 years.
Vitamin B9 (folate)
Vitamin B12: 2.4 mcg for adults.
Vitamin B12
It is important to note that some supplements exceed the RDA so a person may also wish to consider the tolerable upper limit (TUL):
exceed
Vitamin B1 (thiamin): not specified by NIH.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): not specified by NIH.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (niacin): 35 mg for adults over 19 years.
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): not specified by NIH.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Vitamin B6: 100 mg for adults.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B7 (biotin): not specified by NIH.
Vitamin B7 (biotin)
Vitamin B9 (folate): 1,000 mcg for adults over 19 years.
Vitamin B9 (folate)
Vitamin B12: not specified by NIH.
Vitamin B12
Side effects and risks of vitamin B complex
Side effects with water-soluble vitamins are rare. However, some side effects may include:
upset stomach
high blood sugar
high blood sugar
low blood pressure
low blood pressure
headache
headache
fatigue
fatigue
A 2017 study found that individual B vitamins may cause adverse effects:
2017 study
B1 (thiamin): rare allergic reactions.
B3 (niacin): gastrointestinal issues, including stomach bleeding, ulcers, diarrhea, and high sugar levels.
B5 (pantothenic acid): gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and heartburn.
B6: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and drowsiness.
Learn more about the side effects of vitamin B complex here.
Learn more about the side effects of vitamin B complex here
When to see a doctor
If a person thinks they are deficient in vitamin B, they should consult their doctor.
Symptoms vary depending on which of the eight B vitamins is low. However, symptoms may include, tiredness, confusion, and skin rashes.
confusion
skin rashes
People at higher risk of vitamin B deficiencies include pregnant people and older adults.
higher risk
Frequently asked questions  
Below are some of the most common questions and answers about vitamin B.
Vitamin B complex supplements may be better as they usually contain all eight B vitamins.
However, if a person knows they are deficient in B12, this may be more suitable for them.
A person should speak with a doctor if they are unsure.
A few foods that contain high levels of vitamin B include:
fish
poultry
beef
eggs
eggs
citrus fruit
whole grains
leafy greens
leafy greens
Most manufacturers advise taking B complex supplements daily.
However, a person should check that the dosage in the supplements does not exceed the TUL. This is because too much vitamin B could cause side effects.
Summary
B vitamins have a variety of health benefits. People can get B vitamins through certain foods. However, some people are more likely to have a vitamin B deficiency.
Vitamin B complex supplements generally contain all eight B vitamins. They may help to prevent vitamin B deficiency.
However, a person should speak to a healthcare professional for further guidance.