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Research suggests that taking vitamins plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Including a vitamin B complex in your daily regimen can help you feel more energized and boost brain function and cell metabolism. Vitamin B supplementation may also provide other benefits such as boosting muscle recovery and cell development so you recover faster and feel less sore after an intense workout.
The Best Vitamin B Complex - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Vitamin B Complex: Swolverine B-Complex
- Best Vitamin B Complex for Seniors: Nested Naturals B-Complex
- Best Whole Food Vitamin B Complex: New Chapter Vitamin B Complex
- Best Vitamin B Complex for Energy: Swolverine B-Complex
- Best Organic Vitamin B Complex: New Chapter Fermented Coenzyme B Complex
- Best Vegan Vitamin B Complex: Nested Naturals B-Complex
- Best Liquid Vitamin B Complex: Nature's Answer Liquid B-Complex
- Best Vitamin B Complex Gummies: Alive B-Complex Gummies
- Best Vitamin B Complex Capsules: Life Extension Complete B-Complex
Each of the eight B vitamins has unique health benefits. Depending on your needs, you may want a vitamin B complex that includes all eight or one that contains a specific few. Whether you're looking to bulk up your B12 supplement regimen to include other B vitamin supplements or if you want to incorporate a B complex vitamin that covers all eight, the ACTIVE Reviews Team has researched and found some top-rated options so you can choose the best vitamin B complex supplement for you.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Best Overall Vitamin B Complex - Swolverine B-Complex
SPECS
- Price (rating scale below): $
- Dosage: 1 tablet
- Type (number of B vitamins out of 8): 8
- Other ingredients: Calcium carbonate, vegetable stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, and more
For an excellent all-around Vitamin B complex, the Swolverine B-Complex supplement is about as good as it gets. You’ll get everything from the B vitamin supplement, without a bunch of extra stuff. This is a vegetarian-friendly blend that also includes choline, inositol, and biotin, relatives of the B complex that improve its functionality. Their inclusion makes this an especially ggreat option for improving cognitive health and mental clarity. Meanwhile, the price point is perfectly reasonable, making this product easy to add to your normal health and wellness routine.
Best For
- Anyone seeking a full balance of Vitamin B
- Bargain shoppers
Not Best For
- Anyone looking for a true multivitamin
- Anyone who has a hard time swallowing capsules, tablets, or pills
Best Vitamin B Complex for Seniors - Nested Naturals B-Complex
SPECS
- Price (rating scale below): $
- Dosage: 1 capsule
- Type (number of B vitamins out of 8): 8
- Other ingredients: Rice flour, vegetable cellulose
Seniors can be at especially high risk of Vitamin B deficiency, especially as their eating habits begin to slow. The Nested Naturals B-Complex provides a good remedy, including the full Vitamin B family as well as cousins like choline and inositol. Note that this supplement uses the niacinamide form of Vitamin B3, which helps prevent some of the potential side effects that you can get with other Vitamin B supplements. This is an all-around safe and effective product, focusing on non-GMO ingredients and backed by extensive third-party lab testing.
Best For
- Seniors
- Those worried about the potential side effects of Vitamin B3
- Anyone looking for a non-GMO, gluten-free supplement
Not Best For
- Those who prefer a multivitamin
- Anyone who struggles with swallowing capsules or pills
BUY: Nested Naturals B-Complex
Best Whole Food Vitamin B Complex - New Chapter Vitamin B Complex
SPECS
- Price (rating scale below): $
- Dosage: 1 vegan tablet
- Type (number of B vitamins out of 8): 8
- Other ingredients: Organic gum acacia, organic brown rice, ferment media (organic soy flour, organic saccharomyces cerevisiae, organic orange peel powder, papain [deactivated], bromelain [deactivated] and lactic acid bacteria [lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium bifidum and lactobacillus rhamnosus]), and more
A whole food supplement presents you with Vitamin B in a form that your body will easily recognize, which boosts bio absorption. In other words, your body will actually be able to process and use more of the supplement, making it altogether more effective. The New Chapter Vitamin B Complex is a great overall option, including whole food ingredients plus herbs and fermenting agents to aid you in how your body processes it. This is an especially great Vitamin B supplement to help aid in beauty and brain support. Also, note that it’s vegan, USDA organic-certified, non-GMO, and made without any artificial colors or flavors.
Best For
- Vegans
- Anyone seeking an all-organic option
Not Best For
- Those who struggle with pills or capsules
- Anyone who tends to react adversely to fermented food items
BUY: New Chapter Vitamin B Complex
Best Vitamin B Complex for Energy - Swolverine B-Complex
SPECS
- Price (rating scale below): $
- Dosage: 1 tablet
- Type (number of B vitamins out of 8): 8
- Other ingredients: Calcium carbonate, vegetable stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, and more
Not only is the Swolverine B-Complex supplement our pick for the overall best B vitamin, but it’s also one we want to call out for anyone who suffers from an energy deficit. That’s largely thanks to the inclusion of choline, inositol, and biotin, which augment the full B-vitamin family and help provide healthy reserves of vim and vigor. Not only does this supplement directly affect energy levels but it also improves metabolism, which can further fuel your performance in the athletic pursuits of your choice.
Best For
- Anyone in need of an energy boost
- Bargain shoppers
- Vegetarians
Not Best For:
- Anyone looking for a true multivitamin
- Anyone who has a hard time swallowing capsules, tablets, or pills
Best Organic Vitamin B Complex - New Chapter Fermented Coenzyme B Complex
SPECS
- Price (rating scale below): $$
- Dosage: 1 tablet
- Type (number of B vitamins out of 8): 8
- Other ingredients: Ferment media, including fermented soy, turmeric, grapeseed extract, elderberry, and more
Some shoppers will want ingredients they recognize, derived from all-organic foods. The New Chapter Fermented Coenzyme B Complex more than fits the bill, not only offering the full Vitamin B family but also boasting elderberry, turmeric, and other all-natural inclusions. These are organic and ethically sourced ingredients designed to help aid in absorption and increase your energy, focus, and stamina. This isn’t the most affordable B complex vitamin in the world, but for those seeking an organic whole food option without any needless additives, it should prove well worth it.
Best For
- Those who prefer organic and whole food ingredients
- Those who want to avoid any unnatural additives
Not Best For
- Bargain shoppers
- Anyone who wants a straight multivitamin
BUY: New Chapter Fermented Coenzyme B Complex
Best Vegan Vitamin B Complex - Nested Naturals B-Complex
SPECS
- Price (rating scale below): $
- Dosage: 1 capsule
- Type (number of B vitamins out of 8): 8
- Other ingredients: Rice flour, vegetable cellulose
The Nested Naturals B-Complex isn’t just a great supplement for seniors. It’s well-suited for those living a vegan lifestyle, too. The gluten-free, non-GMO ingredient list is totally vegan-friendly, offering a natural way to boost your energy, improve your brain health, and gain healthier skin and hair. Factor in immune system optimization and mood enhancement and you have a truly potent vitamin B supplement, suitable for almost any diet or lifestyle.
Best For
- Vegans
- Those worried about the potential side effects of Vitamin B3
Not Best For
- Those who prefer a multivitamin
- Anyone who struggles with swallowing capsules or pills
BUY: Nested Naturals B-Complex
Best Liquid Vitamin B Complex - Nature's Answer Liquid B-Complex
SPECS
- Price (rating scale below): $
- Dosage: 1 tbsp
- Type (number of B vitamins out of 8): 6
- Other ingredients: Purified water, vegetable glycerin, organic agave nectar, and more.
If you dislike pills and capsules, you may benefit from a liquid vitamin blend. The Nature's Answer Liquid B-Complex is an outstanding option, providing a rich Vitamin B mix along with a full multivitamin assortment that includes vitamin C, vitamin E, and more. While it’s probably not the best bet if you want straight vitamin B goodness, it’s certainly a high-potency option for anyone looking for an overall health and wellness boost. We also love that it’s gluten-free, antioxidant-rich, and designed for quick absorption.
Best For
- Anyone seeking a multivitamin option
- Those who struggle with pills and capsules
Not Best For
- Bargain shoppers
- Those who just want straight-up Vitamin B
BUY: Nature's Answer Liquid B-Complex
Best Vitamin B Complex Gummies - Alive B-Complex Gummies
SPECS
- Price (rating scale below): $
- Dosage: 2 gummies
- Type (number of B vitamins out of 8): 8
- Other ingredients: Cane sugar, organic tapioca syrup, purified water, and more.
If gummies are your thing, look no further than to the Alive B-Complex Gummies. We don’t necessarily love the addition of sugars and syrup, but we do appreciate the inclusion of all eight B vitamins, along with a great blend of powdered fruits and vegetables encompassing everything from carrots to beets to cauliflower. The mango flavoring is just fine, but the avoidance of gelatin is a real mark in this product’s favor. There’s also an excellent price point, making it easy to stock up on these Vitamin B gummies for your entire family.
Best For
- Those who prefer gummies
- Families
- Bargain shoppers
Not Best For
- Anyone who wants to avoid added sugars
- Anyone looking for a multivitamin
Best Vitamin B Complex Capsules - Life Extension Complete B-Complex
SPECS
- Price (rating scale below): $
- Dosage: 2 vegetarian capsules
- Type (number of B vitamins out of 8): 8
- Other ingredients: Vegetable cellulose (capsule), microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, and more
If you’re looking for vegetarian-friendly capsules, the Life Extension Complete B-Complex product is a stellar pick. It’s ingredient-light, totally non-GMO, and gluten-free. The full-spectrum B vitamin content is great for boosting your energy, metabolism, and brain health, and the price point makes this an easy product to stockpile in your medicine cabinet.
Best For
- Bargain shoppers
- Those seeking a straight Vitamin B option
Not Best For
- Those who prefer a multivitamin
- Anyone who has a hard time swallowing capsules and pills
BUY: Life Extension Complete B-Complex
B Complex Benefits
Each B vitamin has its unique benefits, but overall having a combination of them or all eight could benefit body processes such as metabolism, energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism. It is important to note that many foods contain B vitamins, so it's always a good idea to check with your primary care provider before taking any supplements since too much vitamin B can cause side effects.
What Are Common Signs of Vitamin B Deficiency?
How can you tell when you are not getting enough Vitamin B in your diet? Vitamin B deficiency can present in many ways, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Lost appetite
- Weight loss
- Balance problems
What Foods are High in Vitamin B?
It may be possible to get the Vitamin B you need through a well-balanced diet. Some of the foods richest in Vitamin B include:
- Peas
- Nuts
- Whole grain bread
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Milk
- Eggs
- Mushrooms
- Fish
How To Choose the Best Vitamin B Complex
Dosage
When taking a vitamin B complex, always follow the instructions for the dosage indicated by the supplement. Recommended daily allowances vary depending on the person's age and other medical conditions. Always consult a primary care provider if you are unsure if a B complex vitamin is right for you.
Type
There are eight types of B vitamins: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). Each type of B vitamin has a distinct function. B1 can help turn the food you eat into energy and boost your immune system. B2 may prevent headaches and migraines and support other B vitamins in their functions. B3 can help you maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
If you're feeling stressed, B5 can help your body produce hormones to help your body combat stress. B6 can assist in the communication between your brain and your cells. Looking for healthy hair, skin, and nails? B7 can help you keep those in good condition. B9 also may support your cardiovascular system by reducing your chance of heart disease and B12 can help you maintain your nerve health. Depending on your needs, you might choose a supplement that includes all eight B vitamins or a variation of a few.
Ingredients
Other than looking for the B vitamin varieties of your choice, you'll also see other ingredients. Some include other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin C, or zinc. You'll also see the ingredients used to make the capsules, which are often made out of vegetables. Silicon dioxide is also a popular ingredient since it is an anticaking agent. If you choose a gummy or liquid vitamin B complex, you'll see more ingredients used for flavoring or texturizing. Overall, it's always a good idea to look up any ingredients you don't recognize and to choose supplements with the fewest additives.
How We Rate Supplements
Price/Affordability (scale of $-$$$)
Prices depend on a number of factors and tend to fluctuate over time, so we've kept our affordability rating scale simple so you can easily see how products compare:
$ = under $1 per serving
$$ = $1-2 per serving
$$$ = over $2 per serving
Our Final Takeaway
Healthy Vitamin B intake is essential for your mental and physical well-being. While it’s certainly possible to get a decent amount of Vitamin B through a balanced diet, you may find that supplements can help improve your energy level, strength, and mental clarity. Consider adding one of the best vitamin B complex supplements to your daily routine.
FAQs About Vitamin B Complex
Is it OK to take vitamin B complex every day?
Always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements, but generally, if you're following the recommended dosage you can take one serving each day. Some vitamin B complex pills need to be taken with food, but some can be taken on their own.
What is the best time to take vitamin B complex?
Since these could impact your energy levels, it's recommended to take them earlier in the day, but the best time depends on your health and needs. Getting into a routine of taking it at the same time every day can help you establish the habit so you don't forget or second guess yourself.
How long does it take for vitamin B complex to work?
Research has shown that after two weeks people start to report feeling more alert. However, these claims are not backed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Typically, if you're consistently taking a vitamin B complex supplement, you can take note of how you're feeling after a few weeks to see if you notice a difference in your overall health.
Are vitamin B supplements safe?
When taken at an appropriate dose, Vitamin B supplements are generally considered to be very safe. Even at a higher dose, your body will absorb what it can and expel the rest through your urine, meaning there is little risk of any adverse reaction.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About the Author
Rachael Gonzalez is a Staff Writer for ACTIVE. She spent five years in education before she joined the ACTIVE team in 2022. In this role, she is still able to make a positive impact on others by writing about something she loves: health and wellness.
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