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Vitamin B complex supplements usually contain all eight B vitamins. A person may consider taking these supplements to prevent vitamin B deficiency.

Research suggests that vitamins are essential for health, growth, development, reproduction, and maintenance. One of these essential vitamins is vitamin B.

This article explores vitamin B complex supplements in more detail, including a list of products.

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B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins. There are eight different B vitamins:

Vitamin B complex supplements usually contain all eight of these vitamins.

The body uses B vitamins in various processes, including:

  • the formation of red blood cells.
  • energy production.
  • brain development.
  • immune function.
  • healthy cell function.

Further resources

For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub.

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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:

  • 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.

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.

Some people may also prefer to choose supplements that are chewable or in liquid form.

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.

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Best subscription: Care/of B-Complex

Care/of is a vitamin subscription service. The company automatically despatches orders on a monthly basis.

One capsule contains all eight B vitamins, plus choline and inositol.

This vitamin B-complex supplement is vegan, gluten-free, and does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The price is $13 for a 1-month supply.

Best for vegetarians: Life Extension BioActive Complete B-Complex

Life Extension provides a 30-day supply of vitamin B complex capsules. A serving size is two capsules.

Additional ingredients include inositol and 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.

Best liquid: 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.

Best with vitamin C: 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.

Nature’s Bounty claims they are gluten- and sugar-free, non-GMO, and suitable for vegetarians.

These supplements cost around $16.99 for 150 tablets on Amazon.

Best with calcium: 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.

The price is $39.99 and a person can save 20% with a subscription.

Best for children: 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.

The product is vegetarian, non-GMO, and certified kosher. It is also free from gluten, dairy, and soy.

It costs $18.16 for a 30-day supply.

Best organic: 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).

The price is $30 for 30 tablets.

Best for lower budgets: 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.

The table below compares the eight vitamin B complex supplements listed in the section above:

PriceDosageAmount in bottleTypeVegan/ vegetarian?Gluten-free
Care/of$13one daily30capsuleyesyes
Life Extension$9two daily60capsulevegetarianyes
World Organic $10.70one tbs daily8 fl ozliquidnot specifiednot specified
Nature’s Bounty$16.99one daily150tabletsvegetarianyes
Bronson Vitamins$39.99one daily250tabletsnot specifiedyes
MegaFood Kids$18.16one daily30tabletsvegetarianyes
New Chapter$30one daily30tabletsyesyes
Nurish by Nature Made$6.67one daily30softgelnoyes

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:

It is important to note that some supplements exceed the RDA so a person may also wish to consider the tolerable upper limit (TUL):

Side effects with water-soluble vitamins are rare. However, some side effects may include:

A 2017 study found that individual B vitamins may cause adverse effects:

  • 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.

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.

People at higher risk of vitamin B deficiencies include pregnant people and older adults.

Below are some of the most common questions and answers about vitamin B.

Which is better, vitamin B12 or vitamin B complex?

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.

Which foods are high in vitamin B?

A few foods that contain high levels of vitamin B include:

Is it good to take B complex every day?

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.

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.