Best Supplements for B Complex | Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for the best supplements for B complex? You’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of taking a B complex supplement and list some of our favorite products.

B vitamins are essential for maintaining optimal health, and many people don’t get enough of them from their diet.

A B complex supplement can help fill in the gaps and ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients your body needs.

Before we list the brands and products we consider “best”, please keep in mind supplements are lightly regulated by the FDA. Their stated claims have no guarantee. They aren’t cures or treatments for any diseases.

Food is your best source of nutrition, especially for getting your B vitamins! Please check with your doctor before starting any supplement program.

Please note we include items that we trust will be useful to our visitors. If you click one of the links on our site, we may get a commission.

More info about our ranking criteria and frequently asked questions you can read below the best supplements for B complex!

Let’s dive in!

Best B Complex Supplements

1. Best for Exhaustion in Pregnancy – Nature’s Bounty
2. Best for Fast Absorption and Quick Energy – Life Extension
3. Best for Empty Stomach – MegaFood
4. Best Tasting Liquid Drops for Vegans – Marry Ruth
5. B Complex Alternative #1 – Superior Lab
6. B Complex Alternative #2 – Pure Encapsulations
7. B Complex Alternative #3 – Botanic Choice
8. B Complex Alternative #4 – E Vitamin

1 – Best for Exhaustion in Pregnancy – Nature’s Bounty

• Price = $7.45
• # of Servings = 150
• Price per Serving = $0.05
• Product Reviews = 4.7/5 (37,936 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 Tablet
• Taste / Absorption = Unflavored tablet
• Labeled Effect = Helps the body convert food into the fuel which is used to maintain energy
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = #1 Amazon bestseller in category “Vitamin B Complex Supplements”, contains Vitamin C and folic acid, competitive price
• Cons = Doesn’t contain all 8 B vitamins (missing B9)

This supplement includes 7 out of 8 B vitamins, including thiamine and riboflavin, which are required for energy metabolism as well as immunity and antioxidant support.

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in this product may help with energy production, as well as the health of pregnant women.

Super B Complex with Vitamin C, made by Nature’s Bounty, contains over 100% the daily recommended amount of folic acid. Folic acid is important because many pregnant women are deficient in folic acid.

If you are deficient in either B-vitamins or folic acid then it’s more likely you’ll feel tired and exhausted.

Finally, Nature’s Bounty is a 50 year old company committed to safety and purity in all their supplements, so you can be sure you’re getting a high quality product possible.

With a competitive price and overall quality, this is a great choice for people feeling fatigue (and especially if you’re pregnant and feeling fatigued).

Made By Nature’s Bounty (owned by The Bountiful Company)

Nature’s Bounty is the flagship brand of The Bountiful Company, a family of wellness brands committed to providing people with high quality products to complement their lifestyles and physical health. According to ReviewMeta.com, Nature’s Bounty gets a 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 25,432 verified reviews.

• Start = 1971
• Revenue = $2 billion
• Employees = 4,150
• Mission = focused on enhancing the health and wellness of people’s lives
• Third Party Certifications = GMP, USP, SRT
• Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average adjusted rating from 25,432 verified reviews

2 – Best for Fast Absorption and Quick Energy – Life Extension

• Price = $6.75
• # of Servings = 30
• Price per Serving = $0.22
• Product Reviews = 4.8/5 (719 reviews)
• Serving Size = 2 vegetarian capsules
• Taste / Absorption = Unflavored, “bioactive”
• Labeled Effect = Boosts energy production and promotes a healthy metabolism
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = Contains all 8 B Vitamins, high quality, fast absorption, highly competitive price
• Cons = Two capsules per serving

The biologically active forms of each vitamin are included in Bio Active Complete B-Complex, allowing your body to utilize them more efficiently.

The Bio Active Complete B-Complex, made Life Extension, combines the active forms of all eight B vitamins, allowing your body to take a shortcut and immediately access the numerous health advantages these important nutrients provide.

If you are looking for fast absorption and quick energy this is a great choice.

Made By Life Extension:

Life Extension began in 1980 and is still going 40 years later. In 2021 ConsumerLab.com voted Life Extension as #1 Rated Catalog/Internet Merchant. According to ReviewMeta.com, Life Extension’s average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24,224 verified reviews. 

• Start = 1980
• Revenue = $168 million
• Employees = 500
• Mission = Achieve your goals with the best nutritional products that science can offer
• Third Party Certifications = GMP, Non-GMO
• Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24,224 reviews

3 – Best for Empty Stomach – MegaFood

• Price = $15.87
• # of Servings = 60
• Price per Serving = $0.26
• Product Reviews = 4.9/5 (40 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 Tablet
• Taste / Absorption = Unflavored capsule
• Labeled Effect = Supports cellular energy production & nervous system health
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = Contains all 8 B Vitamins, high quality B vitamin support, contains additional organic blend, competitive pricing
• Cons = similar to other products on the market, not as many reviews

Balanced B Complex supplement is crafted with all the B complex vitamins and delivered with real food like 125 mg organic kale.

This supplement is also vegan-friendly and it can be taken anytime of day, even on an empty stomach.

We’ve reviewed MegaFood extensively in the past, and most of their supplements can be taken on empty stomach. A huge perk!

With a B-complex, you’re often getting high dosages from 8 different energizing vitamins all at once.

People sometimes report getting an upset stomach with all the incoming vitamins. If you’re one of these people who gets an upset stomach, this is a great choice.

Made by Mega Food:

Mega Food started in 1973 and is a verified B-Corporation, which means they meet higher standards for quality, transparency and sustainability. Mega Food provides tons of science, gives back to the community, and is transparent about their supply chain. According to Meta Critic, Mega Food has a 4.3/5 average rating based on 7,100 reviews.

• Start = 1973
• Revenue = $67 million
• Employees = 200
• Mission = working toward a world where everyone is truly nourished
• Third Party Certifications = B Certification, USDA Organic Certification, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan, Certified Kosher, 125+ Pesticide Free, Certified Gluten-Free
• Third Party Reviews = 4.3/5 with 7,100 reviews 

4 – Best Tasting Liquid Drops for Vegans – Marry Ruth

• Price = $25.16
• # of Servings = 60
• Price per Serving = $0.41
• Product Reviews = 4.7/5 (5,867 reviews)
• Serving Size = 15 Drops
• Taste / Absorption = Cherry flavored drops
• Labeled Effect = Supports metabolism and neurofunction
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = Cherry taste, liquid, over 100% of five B Vitamins, vegan friendly,
• Cons = Doesn’t contain full spectrum of B vitamins (5 out of 8)

This tart cherry-flavored liquid provides your body with five B vitamins it needs for good health, including B3 (Niacinamide), B6 (Pyridoxine), B7 (Biotin), B9 (Folate) and B12 (Methyl cobalamin).

• B3 helps the body use nutrients
• B6 aids in the metabolism of amino acids, neurotransmitters and red blood cell development
• Vitamin B7 aids in gene expression and skin, hair and nail growth with over 100% Biotin
• B9 promotes the formation of red and white blood cells, cell growth, proper cell division, and amino acid metabolism.
• Vitamin B12 is required for brain function, DNA production, and red blood cell formation.

If you’re a vegan looking for more energy from B Vitamins, along with hair and nail support, this is a great choice.

Plus Vitamin B Complex with Biotin, made by Marry Ruth, is a liquid supplement. If you struggle to swallow capsules and tablets this is a great choice too.

However, this supplement does not contain all the B vitamins (5 out of 8).

Made By Marry Ruth:

Located in Los Angeles, Mary Ruth emphasizes wholesome, vegan multivitamins the whole family can take. According to ReviewMeta.com, Mary Ruth has a 4.3/5 average adjusted rating 1,905 verified reviews. They are working on getting all products USDA Organic and Kosher Certified.

• Revenue = less than $5 million
• Mission = Formulate a wholesome multivitamin, with vegan, non-GMO ingredients, that the entire family can take
• Third Party Certifications = USDA Organic Certification for most products, Vegan
• Third Party Reviews = 4.3/5 average adjusted rating 1,905 verified reviews

5 – B Complex Alternative #1 – Superior Labs

• Price = $19.95
• # of Servings = 60
• Price per Serving = $0.33
• Product Reviews = 4.9/5 (52 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 vegetarian capsule
• Taste / Absorption = Unflavored capsule
• Labeled Effect = Promote healthy nervous system function, encourage normal digestive function
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = Over 100% daily recommended amounts in 7 B Vitamins, high quality
• Cons = Doesn’t contain full spectrum of B vitamins (7 out of 8), similar to other products on the market (see alternatives 1-4)

Made with 7 different B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B12) plus Glucosamine and Choline Citrate, this formula is designed to help your body function at its energetic best.

If you are looking for a straightforward B complex supplement this is a good choice. With just 1 tablet per serving size, B Vitamin Complex made by Superior Lab is a solid option.

However, this supplement is missing B9 and is similar to other products.

Made By Superior Lab:

Began in 2007, geared for athletes, and has FDA, GMP certification. Mission statement emphasizes purity, testing, and quality. According to ReviewMeta.com, Superior Labs has an average adjusted rating of 4.3/5 with 3902 verified reviews.

• Start = 2007
• Revenue = $6 million
• Employees = less than 25
• Mission = purity, testing, and quality
• Third Party Certifications = NSF, GMP
• Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating of 4.3/5 with 3902 reviews

6 – B Complex Alternative #2 – Pure Encapsulations

• Price = $38.10
• # of Servings = 120
• Price per Serving = $0.31
• Product Reviews = 4.8/5 (307 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 capsule
• Taste / Absorption = Unflavored capsule
• Labeled Effect = Support converting the food you eat into energy
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = All 8 different types of vitamin B, small capsule size makes swallowing easier, high quality
• Cons = Similar to other products on the market (see alternatives 1-4)

The B-Complex Plus capsules from Pure Encapsulations contains all 8 B Vitamins to provide a number of health benefits.

The capsules are also a bit smaller than normal, so if you have struggling swallowing this is a good option to try.

As you can see, there are many B-Vitamin complex products! They each are slightly different though.

Made Pure Encapsulations:

Pure Encapsulations began in 2004. According to ReviewMeta.com, Pure Encapsulations has a 4.5/5 average rating from 12,280 reviews. Pure Encapsulations lists over 50 clinical studies going back to 2006 on their website.

• Start = 2004
• Revenue = $35 million
• Employees = 170
• Mission = it’s what’s inside that counts
• Third Party Certifications = Egg Free, Gluten Free, GMO Free, GMP, Certification Made in the USA, Peanut Free, Wheat Free, Hypoallergenic, NSF
• Third Party Reviews = 4.5/5 average rating from 12,280 verified reviews

7 – B Complex Alternative #3 – Botanic Choice

• Price = $14.00
• # of Servings = 50
• Price per Serving = $0.28
• Product Reviews = 4.4/5 (17 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 Tablet
• Taste / Absorption = Unflavored capsule
• Labeled Effect = Supports muscles, heart and more
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = Provides all 8 B Vitamins
• Cons = Not as many reviews, similar to other products on the marketplace

Like other supplements, this provides all 8 B Vitamins.

7 out of the 8 vitamins have 100% or more the daily recommended amount.

Made By Botanic Choice:

Botanic Choice started in 1910, over 100 years ago. The company is family owned and has millions of customers worldwide. They are one of the oldest supplement companies still around today. According to Meta Critic, Botanic Choice has a 3.8/5 rating with 1,496 reviews.

• Start = 112 years old, founded in 1910
• Revenue = $18 million
• Employees = 107
• Mission = dedicated to making effective natural health solutions available to all
• Third Party Certifications = GMP

8 – B Complex Alternative #4 – E Vitamin

• Price = $8.99
• # of Servings = 100
• Price per Serving = $0.08
• Product Reviews = 4.7/5 (21 reviews)
• Serving Size = 1 veggie capsule
• Taste / Absorption = Unflavored capsule
• Labeled Effect = Increase energy, reduce stress, calm the nerves, and increase circulation.
• Food Allergens = None
• Pros = High quality, contains all 8 B Vitamins, little to no filler
• Cons = Not as many reviews

This complex is made with high quality ingredients without any fillers or extras.

Vitamin B is known to increase energy levels, reduce stress, calm the nerves, and increase circulation.

Made By E Vitamins:

Founded in 1999, E Vitamins is a privately held, vitamin and nutritional supplement provider, headquartered 25 miles north of Detroit in Shelby. According to Trustpilot.com, eVitamins gets 4.3/5 with from 10,635 reviews.

• Start = 1999
• Revenue = $5 million
• Employees = 25
• Mission = By delivering the freshest products to our customers at the lowest price with amazing service
• Third Party Certifications = non-GMO
• Third Party Reviews = 4.3/5 with 10,635 reviews

What factors do we use to rank supplements?

1 – Price: What’s the price of the supplement? What’s the cost per serving?

• At Eating Enlightenment we value quality over price. However, all else being equal, then price comes into consideration. 

2 – Reviews: How many reviews for each product? What’s the average rating? How many third party reviews?

• We strongly believe in third party reviews. Many supplement companies list positive reviews on their website, but third party reviews include negative comments. We always go with third party reviews.

3 – Reputation: How reputable is the brand behind the supplement? How long has the brand been around? What’s their mission? 

• We believe that a company’s intention is highly important and should be one of your top purchasing decision factors.

4 – Taste / Absorption = What’s the taste? How quickly does your body absorb the supplement? Do reviews mention any negative side effects like an upset stomach?

5 – Perceived Therapeutic Effect = What beneficial effects or feelings does this supplement promote?

6 – Food Allergens = Does the company provide allergen info?

7 – Science / Certifications: Does the company list transparent scientific studies on their website? Do third party certifications test the company’s supplement for quality control? How many certifications does the company have?

8 – Pros/Cons: What are the pros and cons of each supplement? How is the supplement unique? For what situations is this supplement best?

What is a B complex supplement?

A B complex is a group of eight water soluble vitamins, with odd names like pantothenic acid, that are essential for human health.

These vitamins play an important role in metabolism, energy production, and cell growth and function.

Most people get enough of these vitamins from their diet, but some people may need to take supplements to ensure they’re getting enough.

Importantly, B vitamins are water soluble. So any excess B Vitamins you will pee them out each day. Then, you’ll need more B Vitamins from food intake the next day too.

Who benefits most from supplements for B complex?

Anyone who feels they need more energy or who wants to support their metabolism may benefit from taking a supplement for b complex. This can be especially beneficial for athletes or people who have physically demanding jobs.

People who eat a well balanced diet and who get enough exercise are usually the ones who don’t need to take b complex supplements. However, if you feel you need more energy or support for your metabolism, then taking a supplement may be beneficial.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with kidney disease, and people who are taking certain medications may not benefit from taking a B complex supplement.

If you experience any side effects, stop taking the supplement and speak with your doctor.

Who may not benefit from B complex supplements?

Certain people should not take B complex supplements.

These include pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with kidney disease, and people who are taking certain medications.

If you have any chronic health conditions or if you’re unsure if it’s safe for you to take a B complex supplement, speak with your doctor before starting supplementation.

Risks, side effects and other precautions

Most people tolerate B complex supplements well. However, some people may experience side effects like an upset stomach, diarrhea, or headache.

Most people tolerate a vitamin B complex supplement well. However, some people may experience side effects like an upset stomach, diarrhea, or headache. If you experience any side effects, stop taking your vitamin B supplements and speak with your doctor.

Food sources for B vitamins

The best source of B vitamins is the food you eat each day. If you need B vitamins you should always strive to first and foremost, eat more of these foods!

• leafy green vegetables
• legumes
• nuts and seeds
• whole grains
• eggs
• dairy products
• meats and poultry

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article!

For more info on supplements if you’re a beginner, check out our Ultimate Guide to Supplements.

You can also search for many more comprehensive reviews.