7 Best Vitamin B Complex of 2025, According to RDs

7 Dietitian-Approved B Complex Vitamins to Meet Your Needs

B vitamins are called the “energy vitamins” for good reason: They are essential to everything from energy production, cell growth, brain function, and mood to digestion, immune health, heart function, and even antioxidant support. Working as a team and individually, each B vitamin has its own unique function and benefit throughout your body.

B vitamins are found in various foods, including meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and fruits. Getting enough of them through your diet or supplementation is essential because your body doesn’t store B vitamins.

 If you’re not getting enough through your diet and your healthcare provider has advised you to supplement, this is where a vitamin B complex supplement comes in. A vitamin B complex is a group of eight water-soluble vitamins all combined into one supplement The complex includes B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin).

I consulted with three other registered dietitians to review more than 20 supplements to help you find the right vitamin B complex. Here are the top seven vitamin B complex supplements we recommend.

Our Top Picks for Best Vitamin B Complex

When to Consult Your Doctor

Certain groups of people are at an increased risk of B vitamin deficiency. Those groups include anyone pregnant or breastfeeding because the need for B9 (folate) increases at this time; vegans or those on a strict vegetarian diet due to dietary restrictions of foods naturally high in B vitamins; those with autoimmune conditions like celiac disease and Crohn’s due to limited absorption; and those with a history of alcohol abuse.

Symptoms of a B vitamin deficiency can vary from mild to severe and include such issues as fatigue, tingling in hands and feet, loss of balance, tongue soreness, depression, shortness of breath, and headaches. Some vitamin B complex supplements contain high levels of certain B vitamins. While B vitamins are water-soluble — meaning your body doesn’t store excess vitamin B and excretes the rest through urine — it’s still recommended only to consume what you need. Everyday Health recommends speaking with your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet to make sure it is safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.

Best Budget-Friendly

Nature’s Bounty Super B-Complex

$9.02 at Amazon
$14.89Now 39% Off

Pros

  • Most affordable on our list
  • Third-party tested
  • Contains all eight B vitamins
  • No artificial colors or flavors
  • Sugar-, dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free

Cons

  • Contains some fillers
  • Some B vitamins in high doses per serving
  • B Vitamins: All eight essential B vitamins
  • Form: Tablet
  • Serving Size: 1 tablet daily, preferably with a meal
  • Third-Party Tested: Yes

This supplement is third-party tested, contains all eight essential B vitamins, and costs just 11 cents for each one-tablet daily serving. “It’s affordable, easily accessible, and is rated a top pick by ConsumerLab.com,” says Alexandria Hardy, RDN, LDN, owner of Pennsylvania Nutrition Services in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. ConsumerLab.com is a third-party testing lab that ensures the quality and purity of the products it tests.

Some of the B vitamins in this complex contain more than 1,000 percent of the daily value (the recommended amount of each vitamin you should consume daily).

For example, vitamins B1, B2, and B12 are all well above 1,000 percent of their recommended daily value. But because B vitamins are water-soluble, your body will use what it needs and excrete the rest through your urine.

In addition, your body doesn’t store excess vitamin B, so large doses are generally considered safe.

Nature’s Bounty Super B-Complex vitamins are free of gluten, soy, fish, sugar,  and artificial flavors and colors. These do contain some added fillers, often used as bulking agents or as coating on a supplement.

 Ideally, we look for products without fillers, but sometimes, the manufacturing process does require them. Check the nutrition label to see all ingredients and vitamin or mineral dosages.

Best for Vegans

Thorne B-Complex #12

$23.75 at Amazon
$25Now 5% Off

Pros

  • Vegan-verified
  • Free of gluten, dairy, and soy
  • Third-party tested
  • Contains all eight B vitamins
  • Contain bioavailable forms of B9 and B12

Cons

  • Low dose of choline
  • Added fillers
  • B Vitamins: All eight essential B vitamins
  • Form: Capsule
  • Serving Size: 1 to 3 capsules daily
  • Third-Party Tested: Yes
Thorne’s B-Complex #12 supplements are free of artificial flavors, colors, gluten, dairy, and soy, and the B complex contains all eight essential B vitamins. In addition, you can trust that Thorne’s products are safe and effective: They are NSF-certified, meaning the product has been tested and met safety and quality standards set forth by the National Sanitation Foundation.

With 600 micrograms (mcg) of B12 and 667 mcg of B9, both vitamins are in a bioavailable form for maximum absorption.

 Vitamins B9 and B12 work together in a critical role in making red blood cells, aid in immune function and mood support, and control homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid that, when elevated, can increase one’s risk of heart disease.

While choline is not a B vitamin, it is often included in vitamin B complexes because it shares similar functions with many B vitamins, particularly in supporting healthy brain function and metabolism.

 In this supplement, choline is included, but it only provides 14 milligrams (mg). The Adequate Intakes (AIs) as outlined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend 425 mg per day for females and 500 mg per day for males, so this supplement is quite low in choline. The main sources of choline include animal products (eggs, poultry, fish, dairy, and meat); these foods should be consumed daily to ensure choline needs are met.

Best for Athletes

Klean Athlete Klean B-Complex

$21.60 at Amazon
$24Now 10% Off

Pros

  • NSF Certified for Sport
  • Contains all eight B vitamins
  • Gluten-free
  • Non-GMO
  • No artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners

Cons

  • High dose of B12 per serving
  • B Vitamins: All eight essential B vitamins
  • Form: Capsule
  • Serving Size: 1 capsule daily
  • Third-Party Tested: Yes

Athletes understand the importance of ample energy production, cell formation, focus, and tissue regeneration, all of which can be supported by proper B vitamin intake. To find a B complex suitable for athletes, we reviewed NSF Certified for Sport supplements, as this certification ensures formulas are free of more than 280 banned substances for athletes. Klean Athlete Klean B-Complex wins in our “best for athletes” category.

Formulated with all eight essential B vitamins, Klean Athlete is non-GMO and free of gluten, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.

In addition to B vitamins, Klean Athlete Klean B-Complex also contains inositol. Inositol is a sugar naturally found in your body. Some research has found that inositol can positively improve glucose oxidation, glycogen synthesis, and insulin sensitivity.

Best Allergy-Friendly

Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex

$39.85 at Amazon

Pros

  • Free of gluten, dairy, soy, artificial colors, and sweeteners
  • Third-party tested
  • Contains all eight B vitamins
  • Non-GMO
  • Certified vegan and vegetarian

Cons

  • High dose of B12, B6, and B1 per serving
  • B Vitamins: All eight essential B vitamins
  • Form: Capsule
  • Serving Size: 1 capsule daily with food or as directed
  • Third-Party Tested: Yes

Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex is third-party tested for purity and potency, non-GMO, and certified vegan and vegetarian. The formula is free of gluten, dairy, soy, artificial colors, and sweeteners. Nordic Naturals may be best known for its omega-3 supplements, but the company is also making strides in a broader range of supplements as well.

Just one capsule daily provides all eight essential B vitamins in their most bioavailable forms.

 This supplement provides dosages of B12, B6, and B1 that are all above the recommended daily value as outlined by the FDA.

Work with a healthcare provider to make sure you’re consuming the right amount of B vitamins for your needs because some nutrients, when taken in excess, may cause side effects.

Best Whole-Food

Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw B-Complex

$15.95 at Amazon
$21.99Now 27% Off

Pros

  • Added organic fruit-and-vegetable blend
  • Contains all eight B vitamins
  • Third-party tested
  • Non-GMO Project certified
  • Free of binders, fillers, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors

Cons

  • High nutrient doses for vitamins B12 and B7
  • B Vitamins: All eight essential B vitamins
  • Form: Capsule
  • Serving Size: 2 capsules daily
  • Third-Party Tested: Yes

All Vitamin Code supplements have a base of whole fruits and vegetables. The supplements are raw, meaning they’re produced without high heat. Being third-party tested, certified non-GMO, and free of binders, fillers, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors, Garden of Life is our top choice for a whole food–based vitamin B complex.

In addition to providing all eight B vitamins, Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw B-Complex also provides a proprietary blend of 23 powdered fruits and vegetables and a probiotic and enzymatic blend. Antioxidants can help protect cells from free-radical damage, promote anti-aging, and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

 Probiotics are microbes that live in the gut, while digestive enzymes help break down food. Both have been found to support digestion, gut health, and immunity.

Hardy recommends Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw B-Complex, stating, “This high-potency whole-food formula helps support metabolic functions and stress responses. It’s made of 23 powdered fruits and vegetables and is vegan and approved by ConsumerLab.com.”

Best Gummy

NutraChamps B Complex

$17.95 at Amazon
$19.95Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Gummy form for those who dislike pills
  • Contains all eight B vitamins
  • Third-party tested
  • Non-GMO
  • Free of gluten, sugar, and fillers

Cons

  • Contains sugar alcohols
  • Berry flavor may not appeal to all
  • B Vitamins: All eight essential B vitamins
  • Form: Gummy
  • Serving Size: 2 gummies daily for adults, 1 gummy daily for kids
  • Third-Party Tested: Yes

Two of these berry-flavored gummies provide all eight essential B vitamins, are third-party tested to ensure purity, are non-GMO, and free of gluten and unnecessary fillers.

In this gummy, we liked that five of the eight B vitamins are dosed to meet 100 percent of the recommended daily value, providing just what you need. Vitamin B9 is just above 100 percent. Vitamins B12 and B7 are in doses well above the recommended daily value; however, this isn’t overly concerning since both have low potential for toxicity.

Sugar alcohols are no-calorie sweeteners, often used instead of sugar, as they tend to be less sweet. These gummies contain three different sugar alcohols: maltitol, erythritol, and sorbitol. The main downside to sugar alcohols is the risk of gastrointestinal problems, such as abdominal pain, gas, or diarrhea, when consumed in high amounts.

 Being that the serving size in just two gummies, the likelihood of intolerance is low, however, be sure to stop supplementing if you experience discomfort.

It’s important to note there are child dosing directions listed on this supplement’s label. If your child would benefit from additional B vitamins, consider providing one gummy daily instead of the adult dosage of two per day. Like all supplements and medications, it is advised to consult a healthcare provider before starting anything new, and keep it out of reach so children cannot access it independently.

Best Liquid

Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Liquid

$37.20 at Amazon

Pros

  • Liquid form for those who dislike pills
  • Third-party tested
  • Non-GMO
  • Gluten-, soy-, dairy-, egg-, and nut-free

Cons

  • Does not contain vitamins B9 or B7
  • Priciest on our list
  • B Vitamins: Provides six of the eight essential B vitamins (missing biotin and folate)
  • Form: Liquid
  • Serving Size: 1 teaspoon daily with a meal
  • Third-Party Tested: Yes

Liquid vitamins are excellent options for anyone who cannot take pills or capsules or does not enjoy taking them. Pure Encapsulation’s liquid provides six of the eight B vitamins — minus B7 (biotin) and B9 (folate), so this supplement isn’t for you if you have increased folate needs, such as during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Alyssa Pacheco, RD, founder of The PCOS Nutritionist Alyssa, recommends Pure Encapsulations to her clients. “Its supplements do not use artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners and are always free from gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, tree nuts, and peanuts,” she says.

Pure Encapsulations is the highest-priced supplement on our list, but even at this price point it makes our list for its purity and potency, commitment to third-party testing, and accurate label claims — as well as its dedication to scientific research in nutrition.

Best for
Third Party Tested (Y/N)
Contains all 8 B vitamins
Allergens
Budget-Friendly
Yes
Yes

Free of artificial colors, flavors, sugar, dairy, soy, gluten, and fish

Vegans
Yes
Yes

Free of gluten, dairy, and soy

Athletes
Yes
Yes

Free of gluten, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners

Allergies
Yes
Yes

Free of gluten, dairy, soy, artificial colors, sweeteners, certified vegan and vegetarian

Whole-Food
Yes
Yes

Free of binders, fillers, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors

Gummy
Yes
Yes

Free of gluten, sugar, and fillers

Liquid
Yes
Yes

Free of gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, nuts

Other Noteworthy Vitamin B Complex Supplements

For this vitamin B complex supplement review, we researched more than 20 options to find the best ones. Our experts vetted each supplement, narrowing down a single winner for each category. Here are a few noteworthy brands that didn’t quite make the cut:

Mary Ruth’s Organics: When we reviewed the Vegan B Complex Liquid Drops, we liked that it’s third-party tested, certified gluten-free, organic, and vegan. However, it ultimately didn’t make our list because it only contained five of the eight B vitamins, one less than our pick in the liquid category. For more about Mary Ruth’s Organics, visit the site.

NOW Foods: We liked that it’s third-party tested, non-GMO, and free of gluten, soy, eggs, and nuts. However, it ultimately didn’t make our list because the individual nutrient dosing was not ideal. Some B vitamins are listed at more than 8,000 percent of the daily value, and other B vitamins like B2, B6, and B12 were all listed at well above the recommended daily value. We would have liked to see these dosages more balanced. For more about NOW Foods, visit the site.

Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Plus: We liked this B-complex because it contains all eight B vitamins, is third-party-tested, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and affordable. However, it didn’t make our list because the vitamin B dose is high. For more info about Pure Encapsulations, visit the site.

 

 

What’s in a Vitamin B Complex?

A vitamin B complex is a collection of up to eight water-soluble B vitamins, all in one supplement. These B vitamins play several roles throughout your body, individually and in tandem with one another. Key roles of B vitamins include energy production, DNA and RNA synthesis, mood and stress support, anemia prevention, digestion support, and cellular regeneration.

How We Chose the Best Vitamin B Complex Supplements

As a registered dietitian, I strive to make nutrition information accessible to readers. I’m constantly reading new research and nutrition information, working to understand how I can educate my clients and apply it to patient care. This review is meant to help you choose the best B complex vitamin that fits your lifestyle, supplement preferences, and specific health needs.

When selecting our top picks, brands providing high-quality, third–party–tested products with ingredient transparency are of the utmost importance. To create this list of seven supplements, I reviewed more than 20 different products and consulted other experts in the field to consider their expertise and top picks. Experts, in addition to myself, included:

 


What to Look For When Buying a Vitamin B Complex

With the abundance of B complex supplements currently on the market, there are a few factors to consider when choosing one. A few things to look for include:

Third-Party Testing This ensures the product meets safety, potency, and purity standards, so you know exactly what you’re putting into your body. Below are a few organizations that offer third-party testing.

  • NSF International is a product testing, inspection, and certification organization for public health standards.
  • NSF Certified for Sport is an independent third-party certification program helping athletes make safer decisions when choosing sports supplements.
  • USP is an independent, scientific nonprofit organization that aims to help protect patient safety in the world’s medicines, dietary supplements, and foods.
  • ConsumerLab.com evaluates consumer products relating to health, wellness, and nutrition, providing independent test results and information to help consumers and healthcare professionals identify the best products.
  • Informed Choice is a global quality assurance and third-party testing program designed to minimize the risks of dietary supplement products from contamination with prohibited and potentially harmful substances.
Number of B Vitamins The essential B vitamins include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cobalamin (B12).

 Look for a supplement that contains all eight to ensure you’re maximizing your supplementation and meeting your needs. Certain forms, such as liquids, are difficult to find an option that includes all eight, so if a liquid is required, work with a healthcare provider to ensure you are choosing the best one for your needs based on what it provides. Don’t forget to also review the dosage directions: Some may be one tablet, capsule, or teaspoon daily, while others may require multiple daily doses. Find one that suits your lifestyle and needs the best.
Bioavailability The bioavailability of certain B vitamins is important because it can affect how well the body absorbs and uses these vitamins. Specifically for B12 and B9, research has found that the most beneficial forms include methylcobalamin for B12 and methylfolate for B9.

Price While prices vary, a given supplement may only have a 30-day supply. So be sure to check the total servings and serving size to compare prices accurately.

Form Whether it’s a gummy, capsule, tablet, or liquid, choose a format you’re comfortable with.

Diet For example, if you are vegan or vegetarian, be sure to find certified vegan products. Another point to consider is if you often forget to take supplements, do not opt for one that requires multiple doses per day to meet your needs. Find a one-a-day option.

Additives, Fillers, Sugar Simply put, the fewer additives, the better. In addition, sugar or sugar alcohols are sometimes added to improve flavor. If you’re trying to limit sugar in your diet, there are many options available with little to no added sugar. Sugar alcohol in large quantities can cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Make sure you can tolerate a supplement with sugar alcohols, and only take the recommended dose.

FAQ

What foods contain B vitamins?
Eggs, beef, dairy, leafy greens, salmon, and fortified cereals are all excellent sources of B vitamins. A supplement may be necessary to meet the daily needs of someone who doesn’t regularly eat these foods.

B vitamins play several important roles in the body, including energy production, DNA and RNA synthesis, mood and stress support, anemia prevention, digestion support, and cellular regeneration.

Vitamin B deficiency can present in a variety of ways. Some common deficiency signs include tingling and numbness in hands and feet, pale or yellowish skin, depression, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, anemia, sore tongue, vision problems, and memory issues. If you’re concerned about deficiency, consult a qualified healthcare provider, such as your doctor or a registered dietitian, for a full evaluation.
People with health conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, are at increased risk due to malabsorption. People who follow strict vegan or vegetarian diets are more likely to be deficient in B vitamins unless they eat enough fortified foods or supplements. Individuals 65 and older are at an increased risk due to decreased absorption that naturally occurs as we age. For those pregnant or breastfeeding, their needs, specifically for folate, increase during this stage in life. Finally, people with a history of chronic alcohol abuse are also at risk.
The FDA does not approve B complexes or any dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness. The FDA employs periodic inspections of manufacturing facilities to ensure they are adhering to Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) guidelines, which is why some companies may report they are CGMP-certified. Third-party testing is the gold standard to ensure supplements are pure and safe. Organizations that offer third-party testing include NSF International, NSF Certified for Sport, USP, ConsumerLab.com, and Informed Choice.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. What Are B Vitamins? Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. November 30, 2023.
  2. B Vitamins. MedlinePlus. September 23, 2021.
  3. Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. March 5, 2024.
  4. Vitamin B12. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. March 26, 2024.
  5. Thiamin. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. February 9, 2023.
  6. Riboflavin. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. May 11, 2022.
  7. Excipients and Fillers. NDHealthFacts. June 3, 2013.
  8. What Is NSF Certification? National Sanitation Foundation. December 19, 2017.
  9. Carboni L. Active Folate Versus Folic Acid: The Role of 5-MTHF (Methylfolate) in Human Health. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal. July 2022.
  10. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). Mount Sinai.
  11. Choline. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. June 2, 2022.
  12. Bevilacqua A et al. Inositols in Insulin Signaling and Glucose Metabolism. International Journal of Endocrinology. November 25, 2018.
  13. How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. March 5, 2024.
  14. Zehiroglu C et al. The Importance of Antioxidants and Place in Today’s Scientific and Technological Studies. Journal of Food Science and Technology. July 29, 2019.
  15. Probiotics. Cleveland Clinic. October 30, 2023.
  16. Biotin. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. January 15, 2021.
  17. Vitamin B12. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. December 15, 2023.
  18. Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. September 25, 2024.
  19. Folate. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. November 1, 2022.
Additional Sources
  • Vitamin Deficiency Anemia. Mayo Clinic. February 7, 2024.

Why Trust Everyday Health

We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. You can trust our reviews because we do the legwork for you. Read more about why you can trust us.

Brittany Scanniello, RD

Author

Brittany Scanniello is a freelance writer, registered dietitian-nutritionist, and owner of Eat Simply Nutrition, a Colorado-based integrative nutrition company and private practice.

As a lifelong and collegiate athlete, Brittany has always kept fitness and nutrition a top priority. Her expertise lies in pediatrics, sports, and functional nutrition, though she is experienced in all nutrition-related matters. She strongly believes that food has the power to reduce the risk of chronic disease and help people feel energized so she works hard to make nutrition information accessible and easy to understand for all.

Brittany received her undergraduate degree in human nutrition and dietetics from University of North Carolina in Greensboro. She also completed a dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

As a freelance nutrition and fitness writer, her work has been published in Eat This Not That, PopSugar, and other outlets. She is the author of The Complete Macro Cookbook.

When Brittany is not counseling clients or writing, she enjoys working on her family's farm, golfing, playing with her three kids, and baking.