If you need more B vitamins, Nordic Naturals, Thorne, and Klean Athlete all offer quality supplements. See what else our dietitians recommend, and learn if a B complex supplement is right for you.
There are eight B vitamins that support metabolism, nerve function, and energy production, among other bodily processes. As these vitamins are abundant in food sources like animal products, legumes, leafy greens, and fortified foods, many people get all the B vitamins they need from their diet.
But if you eat vegetarian or vegan, have increased nutrient needs, or have a medical condition that affects your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, you may benefit from taking a B-complex supplement. Here are the products our dietitians recommend most.
Our dietitians
Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD, is a regular contributor to Healthline content and a registered dietitian. They are passionate about plant-based nutrition. Ellen Landes, MS, RDN, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and registered dietitian focusing on nutrition optimization for exercise.
A note on price
Prices for vitamin B complex supplements generally range from $0.35 to $1.33 per serving or $13 to $45 per container. Liquid formulations tend to cost more. Serving sizes vary by product.
- $ = under $0.50 per serving
- $$ = $0.50 to $1 per serving
- $$$ = over $1 per serving
• gluten-free
• inositol
• benfotiamine
• gluten-free
• certified gluten-free
• vegetarian
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the brands on this page, we considered all the vitamin brands that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further.
- Your needs: Do you need a supplement that contains all eight B vitamins? Or would you prefer a supplement that contains select B vitamins, such as B12 and folate?
- Type of folate: Many vitamin B complexes contain folic acid, the synthetic form of folate found in food. However,
research suggestsTrusted Source that folic acid isn’t as readily absorbed as the active form of folate, 5-MTHF. When possible, look for products that contain 5-MTHF. - Dosage: B vitamins are water soluble, and your body excretes whatever it doesn’t need via urine — but B vitamin toxicity can still happen. Therefore, it’s best to discuss optimal doses of B vitamins with a healthcare professional and use supplements as directed.
- Cost: Some products cost less than others, but it doesn’t mean they’re low quality. Plenty of affordable, well-formulated vitamin B complex supplements are available.
Simply put, a vitamin B complex will contain all of the essential B vitamins in one capsule, tablet, or gummy. A vitamin B12 supplement will only contain vitamin B12.
To learn about the best B12 vitamins available, head over to our dietitian’s roundup of the best B12 vitamins in 2024.
Useful supplement shopping guides
If you’d like more guidance on how to shop for supplements and understand exactly what you’re buying, check out our articles on:
The best vitamin B complex supplement to take depends on your health needs. A B complex supplement like Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex may be beneficial because it’s third-party tested and provides all eight essential B vitamins in absorbable forms.
Whether to take a B complex or B12 is up to you and your specific health requirements.
For example, if you have a B12 deficiency, a singular B12 supplement might be suitable.
However, if your diet is lacking in all B vitamins, including B12, a B complex supplement may be more appropriate. Your doctor can help you determine which, if any, supplement is right for you.
B vitamins are naturally found in a variety of foods. Some of the best sources include leafy green vegetables, beans, dairy products, and meat.
The recommended daily amount of each individual B vitamin varies. Daily requirements may also vary based on other factors, like your age, sex, and whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
A healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance on an appropriate dosage to meet your needs.
B vitamins play a key role in many aspects of health, including energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and DNA production. Getting enough B vitamins in your daily diet is important for making sure your cells function properly.
Not only that, but a deficiency in one or more B vitamins can contribute to several health conditions and issues, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbances, skin problems, and anemia.
What’s more, vitamin B during pregnancy is a priceless, realtime resource to keep your body strong during your trimesters growing another human. They also serve as an energy booster.
Vitamin B complexes may not be safe for people on certain medications. For instance, vitamin B12 supplements can interact with gastric acid inhibitors or metformin, and B6 can interact with certain antibiotics and epilepsy medications.
Taking very high doses of certain B vitamins, such as B3 and B6, may have serious health effects. Learn more.
When it comes to B vitamins, the best supplement for you depends on your individual health needs and dietary intake. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to determine whether you might benefit from a B supplement and whether you need a full B complex or a single B vitamin supplement.
