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The Best Vitamin B Complex Supplements of 2024

B vitamins are essential in making sure the body's cells are functioning properly. In this review, we break down the top vitamin B complex supplement brands.
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The eight essential B vitamins that make up the vitamin B complex family are key to staying healthy, fit and mentally sharp. Your body depends on B-complex vitamins to perform many of its vital functions, including metabolism, energy production, immunity, red blood cell formation, cardiovascular and nervous system functions.

The health benefits of vitamin B supplementation are vast. In addition to maintaining your body’s normal processes, B-complex vitamins may also help prevent and treat a host of medical conditions, including depression, cancer, heart disease and stroke. Recent studies suggest that vitamin B may even play a role in reducing damage caused by COVID-19 infection.

Vitamin B complex supplements are a great way to get your recommended daily intake of the eight B vitamins. That’s because a B complex supplement typically packs all eight B vitamins into one convenient pill. Some vitamin B complex supplements also contain other nutrients, like vitamin C, magnesium, choline, vitamin D and inositol, for additional health benefits.

This article introduces our picks for the best vitamin B complex supplements on the market in 2024. You’ll also learn how to find the best supplement for you, the best time to take vitamin B complex, how to use dietary supplements effectively and other important factors to consider before you buy.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Our Picks for the Best Vitamin B Complex in 2024:

Best Fermented Vitamin B Complex: New Chapter Fermented Coenzyme B Complex

new chapter

Key features:

  • Other active ingredients: organic turmeric, ginger, organic schizandra (berry), organic maca (root), organic chamomile (flower), organic fenugreek (seed), organic oregano (leaf), grapeseed extract, organic hawthorn (berry, leaf and flower), european elder (berry), organic eleuthero (root), organic astragalus (root)
  • Form: Tablet
  • Serving size: One tablet

If you’re looking for a vitamin B complex pill that won’t upset your stomach, consider New Chapter Fermented Coenzyme B Complex. This B-complex supplement is specially formulated and fermented with probiotics to provide gentle absorption and easy digestion. According to the product’s label, it can be taken anytime—even on an empty stomach.

Fermented B vitamins harness the power of natural fermentation, which breaks the product down into a simpler, more digestible form. Research suggests that fermented vitamins help promote digestive health and also support immune function.

New Chapter Fermented Coenzyme B Complex is a certified non-GMO product. It’s also gluten-free and free of artificial flavors and colors. Third-party certifying organizations for this supplement include NSF International, The Non-GMO Project and Where Food Comes From Organic (WFCFO).

Pros:

  • Formulated for gentle digestion
  • Contains antioxidants and superfoods, like maca, ginger and turmeric
  • 100 percent vegetarian

Cons:

  • Pricey

Best Affordable Vitamin B Complex: Sundown Naturals B Complex

sundown-naturals

Key features:

  • Other active ingredients: calcium carbonate, vegetable cellulose, natural palm leaf glaze, vegetable magnesium stearate
  • Form: Tablet
  • Serving size: One tablet

Sundown Naturals B Complex is great for anyone looking to get their daily dose of Vitamin B on a tight budget. It’s the most affordable supplement on our list and contains six B-complex vitamins: vitamin B12, folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B6. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO and has no added sugar or preservatives.

Customer reviews for this supplement suggest that quality is not at all sacrificed for cost, with over 9,000 people rating it five stars. Multiple customers reported seeing noticeable improvements in their energy levels, mood, hair and skin after taking the supplement and experienced no side effects.

Pros:

  • Comes with 100 servings, so you get more bang for your buck compared to other brands
  • Soy-free and sodium-free
  • Doesn’t contain peanuts or tree nuts

Cons:

  • Doesn’t include vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
  • Doesn’t include vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Best Vitamin B Complex for Immunity: Thorne Research Stress B-Complex

thorne

Key features:

  • Other active ingredients: hypromellose (derived from cellulose) capsule, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium laurate, silicon dioxide
  • Form: Capsule
  • Serving size: One capsule

Thorne Research Stress B-Complex aims to help reduce stress. This supplement contains all eight B vitamins and has an extra amount of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), which is commonly referred to as the “anti-stress” vitamin.

Recent studies have illuminated the importance of vitamin B5 in healthy immune function. Vitamin B5 also plays a role in regulating stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands and may be associated with improved stress management.

Thorne Research Stress B-Complex also contains choline—a vitamin-B-like nutrient essential to proper brain function and heart health. Research suggests that choline supplementation may improve cognitive performance and reduce the risk of liver disease.

Pros:

  • Provides immunity support
  • Gluten-free
  • Diary-free

Cons:

  • Does not appear to be third-party certified

Best Vegan Vitamin B Complex: MegaFood Balanced B Complex

megafood-balanced-b

Key features:

  • Other active ingredients: organic kale, microcrystalline cellulose, organic brown rice, rice protein, autolyzed yeast extract, silicon dioxide, stearic acid, hypromellose
  • Form: Tablet
  • Serving size: One tablet

If you’re worried about maintaining a vegan diet while taking dietary supplements, MegaFood Balanced B Complex is an excellent option.

MegaFood prides itself on using real food from trusted farm partners to craft its supplements—a process it has cleverly trademarked as “Fresh From Farm to Tablet.'' Its Balanced B complex supplement contains organic kale, brown rice and broccoli in addition to the eight B-complex vitamins.

As a Certified B Corporation, MegaFood has met rigorous standards of social and environmental performance. MegaFood’s products have also been tested and certified by third-party organizations, including Certified Vegan, USDA Organic, The Non-GMO Project and The Detox Project.

Pros:

  • Promotes healthy energy levels
  • Certified vegan
  • NSF certified gluten-free
  • Can be taken any time of day and on an empty stomach

Cons:

  • Pricey compared to some alternatives on our list

Best Gummy Vitamin B Complex: California Gold Nutrition B Complex Gummies

california-gold

Key features:

  • Other active ingredients: sugar, tapioca syrup, water, citrus pectin, citric acid, sodium citrate, natural flavor, black carrot extract
  • Form: Gummy
  • Serving size: One gummy

Not a fan of swallowing pills? Then consider California Gold Nutrition B Complex Gummies. These chewable, strawberry-flavored gummies are a great tasting way for adults and children to add Vitamin B to their diets. And unlike most gummy supplements, they don’t contain gelatin. They’re also gluten-free and non-GMO.

California Gold Nutrition boasts itself as the gold standard in dietary supplements. Its products are produced in a Third Party Audited cGMP Registered (Certified) Facility approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to California Gold Nutrition’s official website, all of its supplements are “scientifically formulated and third party lab tested in the United States for quality assurance.”

This supplement contains five of the eight B-complex vitamins, so you may want to take it in combination with a daily multivitamin. You can safely take B vitamin supplements with a multivitamin because B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins. This means they are not stored in the body and any excess amount you intake will be safely eliminated through your urine.

Pros:

  • Low-cost
  • Suitable for vegetarians
  • Contains vitamin C for extra immune support

Cons:

  • Doesn’t contain vitamin B1 (thiamine)
  • Doesn’t contain vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
  • Doesn’t contain vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Best Liquid Vitamin B Complex: Nature’s Answer Liquid Vitamin B Complex

natures-answer

Key features:

  • Other active ingredients: purified water, vegetable glycerin, organic agave nectar, xanthan gum, potassium sorbate (preservative), tangerine oil, Quik-Sorb® (ginger rhizome, amla fruit, capsicum fruit)
  • Form: Liquid
  • Serving size: One tablespoon (15 milliliters)

Some people want to get the recommended daily intake of vitamin B without knowing they’re getting the recommended daily intake of vitamin B. And that’s where Nature’s Answer Liquid Vitamin B Complex comes in handy.

This supplement is a tangerine flavored liquid that can be taken alone or easily mixed into food or your favorite beverage. It’s a great option for older adults and children with chewing or swallowing problems.

You’ll get all eight B vitamins from this supplement, plus vitamin C, vitamin E, choline and inositol—a natural compound used to treat symptoms related to mental health disorders, metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Studies also show that inositol taken with folate during pregnancy may lower the risk of preterm birth in women who have a higher chance of developing diabetes during pregnancy.

However, this supplement may not be the best choice for everyone. It contains vitamin E, and therefore has the potential to interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants, chemotherapy drugs and Prilosec. Consult a healthcare professional before taking this supplement if you take other medications.

Pros:

  • Promotes overall health and well-being
  • Made by an FDA registered manufacturer
  • Provides antioxidant benefits
  • Gluten-free

Cons:

  • Contains added sugars
  • May interact with other medications

Best Organic Vitamin B Complex: NaturesPlus Source of Life Garden Certified Organic B Complex

natures plus

Key features:

  • Other active ingredients: organic rice maltodextrin, organic capsule (pullulan prebiotic polysaccharides), organic rice protein, organic potato starch
  • Form: Capsule
  • Serving size: Two capsules

NaturesPlus has been committed to making organic whole food blends and wellness supplements for over 50 years. It boasts NaturesPlus Source of Life Garden Certified Organic B Complex as the first certified organic supplement to provide a full array of essential B-complex vitamins in organic capsules.

In addition to the eight B vitamins, this supplement contains an organic whole food blend of guava, blueberries, kale, beets, carrot juice, cinnamon, cranberry, spinach, sweet potatoes and 15 other nature-made superfoods rich in antioxidants.

The supplement is organic certified by both the USDA and Ecocert ICO, so you can rest assured that the formula is made without synthetic/chemical pesticides or artificial fertilizers. This supplement is also certified non-GMO and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives.

Pros:

  • Independently GMP certified
  • Certified USDA organic
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free

Cons:

  • Each dosage requires you to take two capsules

Best Vitamin B Complex with Vitamin C: Nature’s Bounty Super B Complex with Folic Acid Plus Vitamin C

natures bounty

Key features:

  • Other active ingredients: vegetable cellulose, calcium carbonate, silica, vegetable magnesium stearate, vegetable stearic acid
  • Form: Tablet
  • Serving size: One tablet

If you’re looking for a B-complex supplement with an added immunity boost, Nature’s Bounty Super B Complex with Folic Acid Plus Vitamin C is the way to go. It contains all eight B-complex vitamins, plus vitamin C for extra immune system support.

Nature’s Bounty has been a manufacturer of nutritional supplements for nearly 50 years. The company claims that its products are backed by science and made with only the purest ingredients. Its products are laboratory tested to meet stringent Quality Assurance Standards and GMP supplement standards.

Pros:

  • Low-cost
  • Comes with 150 servings, so you get more bang for your buck

Cons:

  • Contains only 67 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, so make sure you get the other 33 percent from food or a multivitamin

Best Rated Vitamin B Complex: Life Extension Bioactive Complete B-Complex

Life Extension Bioactive

Key features:

  • Other active ingredients: calcium, inositol, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), vegetable cellulose (capsule), microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, purified water, silica
  • Form: Capsule
  • Serving size: Two capsules

Life Extension Bioactive Complete B-Complex the biologically active forms of the eight B-complex vitamins (active B vitamins) to optimize absorption and give your body what it needs to function. Before your body can use B vitamins, it must first convert them into their biologically active form. This supplement allows your body to skip that step and directly access all the health benefits vitamin B has to offer.

According to the manufacturer, this supplement boosts energy production, promotes a healthy metabolism and encourages brain, cellular and organ health.

Pros:

  • Uses active B vitamins for optimal absorption
  • Gluten-free
  • Non-GMO LE certified

Cons:

  • Each dosage requires you to take two capsules

How to Choose the Best Vitamin B Complex for You

The best vitamin B complex for you is the one that meets your unique health needs, fits your budget and satisfies any social or environmental requirements you may have, such as being organic, kosher or vegan certified.

Most importantly, the best B vitamin complex for you is one that does not contain any ingredients that will interact with your medication or negatively affect your health in any way. Individuals with pre-existing conditions should be especially cautious before starting any new supplement or dietary regimen. Always consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.

How We Chose the Best Vitamin B Complex Supplements

We chose our picks for the best B vitamin complex supplements using a combination of criteria, including: product quality and safety, reputation of the manufacturer, third-party certification status, affordability and customer reviews.

What Is Vitamin B?

“Vitamin B” is somewhat of a misnomer, as there are actually eight types of B vitamins that form the vitamin B complex family.

B-complex vitamins are water-soluble vitamins generally involved in metabolic processes. They help the body convert carbohydrates into sources of energy it can use to carry out physiological and neurological functions.

Because there are multiple types of B vitamins, vitamin B is implicated in a range of bodily functions from head to toe, including immunity, heart health, cell formation, hormone regulation, brain function and DNA synthesis.

The 8 types of vitamin B

  • Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
  • Vitamin B3 (niacin)
  • Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
  • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
  • Vitamin B7 (biotin)
  • Vitamin B9 (folate)
  • Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Vitamin B complexes

Vitamin B complexes contain multiple B vitamins within one serving unit, whether it be in tablet, capsule, softgel, gummy or liquid form. Complex supplements typically contain all eight B vitamins; however, some don’t.

How to Take a B Vitamin Complex

A vitamin B complex supplement is taken by mouth, usually once daily or as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or a licensed healthcare professional.

If you are taking a vitamin B complex that contains vitamin C, take the supplement by mouth with a full glass of water (eight ounces/240 milliliters) unless your physician directs you otherwise.

If you are taking gummies or chewable tablets, chew them thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are taking a liquid B vitamin complex, use a medication-measuring tool to carefully measure the dose. Do not use a household spoon. Some liquid products must be shaken before each dose. Follow the directions on the label carefully to get the most benefit.

B vitamin complex supplements should be taken regularly over an extended period of time in order to get the most benefit from them.

Who Can Benefit from a B Vitamin Complex?

The B complex vitamins are essential vitamins, meaning they cannot be synthesized by the human body, so they must be consumed in food. Thus, a B vitamin complex supplement will benefit anyone failing to achieve the recommended daily intake of vitamin B from their diet.

Additionally, older adults, people with restricted diets (e.g. vegetarians and vegans) and individuals who have conditions that limit their ability to absorb vitamin B from food may benefit from taking B vitamin complex supplements.

A vitamin B complex supplement is also beneficial to people with a history of, or susceptibility to vitamin B deficiency, especially vitamin B12 deficiency.

Lastly, a B vitamin complex supplement with vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and follow vegetarian or vegan diets.

The Best Time to Take a Vitamin B Complex

The best time to take vitamin B complex supplements is whatever time is most convenient for you. However, because vitamin B complex helps the body convert food into energy, you might consider taking your supplement early in the day with a meal. This way, you’ll be primed to enjoy certain health benefits from your supplement throughout the day (e.g. increased energy levels).

What to Look for in a Vitamin B Complex

Finding the right vitamin B complex supplement can be a hassle, as there are dozens of options to choose from. You can simplify your purchasing decision by looking at the vitamin’s dosage, form and cost.

Dosage

A vitamin B complex supplement will have varying amounts of each B vitamin depending on the manufacturer. For instance, some supplements may include an extra amount of one type of B vitamin while excluding another type of B vitamin altogether.

A balanced vitamin B complex supplement will include all eight B vitamins and contain at least 100 percent of the recommended daily value. If you are interested in getting a high dose of a particular B vitamin, choose a supplement that contains a high concentration of that vitamin.

Form

Vitamin B complex supplements come in multiple forms. Tablets, capsules and softgels are swallowed. Chewable tablets and gummies are chewed. Liquid supplements can be mixed with beverages or food.

You should choose whichever form is most comfortable for you to take on a daily basis.

Cost

A one-month supply of vitamin B complex can range from two to $75.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of vitamin B complex deficiency?

The symptoms of B vitamin deficiencies vary depending on the B vitamin.

Vitamin B12 deficiency typically carries a higher risk rate of deficiency than the other B vitamins. The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

  • Anemia
  • Seizures
  • Vision loss
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Memory loss, confusion
  • Dementia
  • Depression
  • Pale yellow skin color
  • Mouth ulcers and canker sores
  • Constipation
  • Vision disturbances
  • Balance issues, difficulty walking
  • Tingling in hands and legs

How long does it take vitamin B complex to work?

Anecdotal evidence from individual users of vitamin B complex suggests that the effects of vitamin B complex can be felt immediately. However, research has shown that at least two weeks of consistent daily intake are required to feel the health effects of vitamin B complex.

How much B complex should I take a day?

In general, you should take one serving of a B complex supplement daily.

The recommended daily intake of each individual B-complex vitamin varies and depends on your age, sex and medical history.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the recommended daily intake for women is:

  • Vitamin B1: 1.1 milligrams
  • Vitamin B2: 1.1 milligrams
  • Vitamin B3: 14 milligrams NE
  • Vitamin B5: 5 milligrams
  • Vitamin B6: 1.3 milligrams
  • Vitamin B7: 30 micrograms
  • Vitamin B9: 400 micrograms DFE
  • Vitamin B12: 2.4 micrograms

For men, the NIH recommends the following daily intake:

  • Vitamin B1: 1.2 milligrams
  • Vitamin B2: 1.3 milligrams
  • Vitamin B3: 16 milligrams NE
  • Vitamin B5: 5 milligrams
  • Vitamin B6: 1.3 milligrams
  • Vitamin B7: 30 micrograms
  • Vitamin B9: 400 micrograms DFE
  • Vitamin B12: 2.4 micrograms

Older adults, pregnant women and people with digestion issues or other medical conditions may need a higher daily intake of B vitamins. Talk with your doctor to receive dosage information tailored to your unique health needs.

Does B complex make you sleepy?

B complex does not typically make you sleepy. In fact, taking a vitamin B complex supplement may increase your energy level and alertness.

Does B complex cause weight gain?

B complex on its own does not typically cause weight gain. B-complex vitamins are involved in metabolism and help the body convert food into usable energy sources. B complex supplementation combined with a low caloric diet and exercise may promote weight loss. On the other hand, B complex supplementation combined with a high caloric diet and weight lifting may help increase muscle mass.

Final Thoughts

A vitamin B complex supplement is by no means a magic pill, despite its many health benefits. It’s important to remember that a vitamin B complex supplement is meant to complement, not replace, a healthy diet and regular exercise.

If you suffer from any of the medical conditions that vitamin B is thought to help prevent or treat, do not rely on a vitamin B supplement as a sole method of treatment. In the face of disease, supplements must be combined with additional therapeutic interventions approved by the American Medical Association or another official medical organization.

Lastly, always consult your doctor before starting a new supplement regimen.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.

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