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.

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Quick look at the best vitamin B complex supplements

• Best vitamin B supplement overall: Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex | Skip to review
• Best vitamin B supplement for athletes: Klean Athlete B-Complex | Skip to review
• Most affordable vitamin B supplement: Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Plus | Skip to review
• Best liquid B12 supplement: Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Liquid | Skip to review
• Best vegan vitamin B supplement: Thorne B-Complex #12 | Skip to review

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

Healthline’s picks of the best vitamin B complex supplements

Best vitamin B supplement overall

Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex

4.6 (61+) from iHerb

• Form: capsule
• Number of servings: 45 per container
• Dose: 1 capsule per day
• Certifications: non-GMO verified, third-party tested for purity
• Price: $$

SHOP NOW AT IHERB

Healthline's review

While Nordic Naturals is known for its omega-3 supplements — which top our list as the best fish oil supplement on the market — the company also makes an excellent vitamin B complex supplement.

It’s our pick for the best overall vitamin B complex, thanks to its rigorous testing methods and comprehensive formulations that are designed to maximize absorption.

Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex contains all eight B vitamins in absorbable forms, including methylcobalamin, which is the active form of B12, and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), which is the biologically active form of folate.

All Nordic Naturals supplements are non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

The company also offers customers a certificate of analysis (COA) to verify that its products have undergone specified testing and adhere to product specifications and standards.

Pros & cons

• contains all eight B vitamins
• third-party tested
• COA is easily accessible online
• certified vegan, and gluten- and dairy-free

• it contains extremely high amounts of some vitamins

• contains all eight B vitamins
• third-party tested
• COA is easily accessible online
• certified vegan, and gluten- and dairy-free

• it contains extremely high amounts of some vitamins

Product details

• Active ingredient(s): thiamin 37 mg (3,083% DV), riboflavin 26.6 mg (2,046% DV), niacin 37 mg NE (231% DV), vitamin B6 45 mg (2,647% DV), folate 333 mcg DFE (83% DV), vitamin B12 250 mcg (10,417% DV), biotin 300 mcg (1,000% DV), pantothenic acid 60 mg (1,200% DV)
• Returns: returns within 30 days
• Shipping: free shipping over $30

• Active ingredient(s): thiamin 37 mg (3,083% DV), riboflavin 26.6 mg (2,046% DV), niacin 37 mg NE (231% DV), vitamin B6 45 mg (2,647% DV), folate 333 mcg DFE (83% DV), vitamin B12 250 mcg (10,417% DV), biotin 300 mcg (1,000% DV), pantothenic acid 60 mg (1,200% DV)
• Returns: returns within 30 days
• Shipping: free shipping over $30

Best vitamin B supplement for athletes

Klean Athlete B-Complex

5 (1+) from Klean Athlete

• Form: capsule
• Number of servings: 60 per container
• Dose: 1 capsule per day
• Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport, third-party tested for purity and potency
• Price: $

SHOP NOW AT KLEAN ATHLETE

Healthline's review

Several B vitamins are used by the body during physical activity for energy production, tissue regeneration, and more. This makes it especially important for athletes and anyone active to meet their vitamin B needs through foods or supplements.

Klean Athlete’s B complex stands out as a strong choice for athletes because it’s NSF Certified for Sport — a certification that ensures products are free of more than 280 substances banned by major athletics organizations.

Plus, it’s formulated with well-absorbed forms of all eight B vitamins, including 5-MTHF and methylcobalamin, along with Benfopure benfotiamine, a compound similar to thiamine believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Klean Athlete manufactures its supplements in a CGMP-audited facility and uses both in-house and third-party testing to ensure supplement quality.

Pros & cons

• contains all eight B vitamins
• also includes choline and inositol
• third-party tested
• NSF Certified for Sport
• vegan, dairy- and gluten-free

• also contains extremely high amounts of certain nutrients
• some complaints that the capsules have an unpleasant chalky taste

• contains all eight B vitamins
• also includes choline and inositol
• third-party tested
• NSF Certified for Sport
• vegan, dairy- and gluten-free

• also contains extremely high amounts of certain nutrients
• some complaints that the capsules have an unpleasant chalky taste

Product details

• Active ingredient(s): thiamine 25 mg (2,083% DV), riboflavin 15 mg (1,154% DV), niacin 50 mg (313% DV), vitamin B6 50 mg (2,914% DV), folate 1,333 mcg DFE (333% DV), vitamin B12 800 mcg (33,333% DV), biotin 400 mcg (1,333% DV), pantothenic acid 100 mg (2,000% DV), choline 40 mg (7% DV), inositol 25 mg, Benfopure benfotiamine 3 mg
• Returns: returns within 14 days
• Shipping: free shipping on orders over $40

• Active ingredient(s): thiamine 25 mg (2,083% DV), riboflavin 15 mg (1,154% DV), niacin 50 mg (313% DV), vitamin B6 50 mg (2,914% DV), folate 1,333 mcg DFE (333% DV), vitamin B12 800 mcg (33,333% DV), biotin 400 mcg (1,333% DV), pantothenic acid 100 mg (2,000% DV), choline 40 mg (7% DV), inositol 25 mg, Benfopure benfotiamine 3 mg
• Returns: returns within 14 days
• Shipping: free shipping on orders over $40

Most affordable vitamin B supplement

Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Plus

4.7 (6.9k+) from Amazon

• Form: capsule
• Number of servings: 120 per container
• Dose: 1 capsule per day
• Certifications: certified gluten-free, non-GMO verified, vegan
• Price: $

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Healthline's review

Pure Encapsulations packs all eight B vitamins into its vitamin B complex — including 5-MTHF and methylcobalamin — and comes with a lower price tag per serving than other comparable brands.

Pure Encapsulations exceeds standards set by United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a nonprofit organization that sets strict product-specific standards for the quality, purity, and identity of supplements.

Plus, it’s tested by third-party labs and is certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, making it a good choice if you have a gluten-related disorder.

Pros & cons

• contains all eight B vitamins
• affordable
• certified gluten-free
• third-party tested ingredients
• vegan-friendly

• can be difficult to find in local stores
• vitamin B12 dose is very high

• contains all eight B vitamins
• affordable
• certified gluten-free
• third-party tested ingredients
• vegan-friendly

• can be difficult to find in local stores
• vitamin B12 dose is very high

Product details

• Active ingredient(s): thiamin 100 mg (8,333% DV), riboflavin 12.7 mg (977% DV), niacin 108 mg (675% DV), vitamin B6 16.7 mg (982% DV), folate 667 mcg DFE (167% DV), vitamin B12 400 mcg (16,667% DV), biotin 400 mcg (1,333% DV), pantothenic acid 100 mg (2,000% DV)
• Returns: eligible for refund or replacement if damaged or defective
• Shipping: free shipping for Prime members

• Active ingredient(s): thiamin 100 mg (8,333% DV), riboflavin 12.7 mg (977% DV), niacin 108 mg (675% DV), vitamin B6 16.7 mg (982% DV), folate 667 mcg DFE (167% DV), vitamin B12 400 mcg (16,667% DV), biotin 400 mcg (1,333% DV), pantothenic acid 100 mg (2,000% DV)
• Returns: eligible for refund or replacement if damaged or defective
• Shipping: free shipping for Prime members

Best liquid B12 supplement

Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Liquid

4.6 (490+) from Amazon

• Form: liquid
• Number of servings: 28 per container
• Dose: 1 tsp (5 mL)
• Certifications: certified gluten-free
• Price: $$$

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Healthline's review

Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Liquid is a good option for people who don’t like to or can’t swallow pills. It contains six B vitamins: vitamin B12, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid.

However, this supplement doesn’t contain biotin or folate. If you have increased folate needs, such as during pregnancy, or if you have a genetic variation that affects folate metabolism, you’ll need to supplement separately with folate.

Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Liquid is sweetened with juice concentrates and stevia.

Pros & cons

• convenient liquid formulation
• third-party tested ingredients
• certified gluten-free
• vegetarian-friendly
• no added sugar

• doesn't contain folate or biotin
• expensive
• not vegan-friendly

• convenient liquid formulation
• third-party tested ingredients
• certified gluten-free
• vegetarian-friendly
• no added sugar

• doesn't contain folate or biotin
• expensive
• not vegan-friendly

Product details

• Active ingredient(s): thiamin 3.5 mg (292% DV), riboflavin 3 mg (231% DV), niacin 10 mg (63% DV), vitamin B6 4 mg (235% DV), vitamin B12 500 mcg (20,833% DV), pantothenic acid 10 mg (200% DV)
• Returns: eligible for refund or replacement if damaged or defective
• Shipping: free shipping for Prime members

• Active ingredient(s): thiamin 3.5 mg (292% DV), riboflavin 3 mg (231% DV), niacin 10 mg (63% DV), vitamin B6 4 mg (235% DV), vitamin B12 500 mcg (20,833% DV), pantothenic acid 10 mg (200% DV)
• Returns: eligible for refund or replacement if damaged or defective
• Shipping: free shipping for Prime members

Best vegan vitamin B supplement

Thorne B-Complex #12

4.7 (3.1k+) from Amazon

• Form: capsule
• Number of servings: 60 per container
• Dose: 1 capsule per day
• Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency
• Price: $

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Healthline's review

People who eat a vegan diet have a greater risk of developing a deficiency in certain B vitamins, including vitamin B12, as these nutrients are most concentrated in animal-based foods.

Thorne B-Complex #12 is a vegan vitamin B complex supplement. It doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients and contains all eight B vitamins in active, absorbable forms.

Thorne adheres to the FDA’s CGMP standards and boasts an A rating from the Therapeutic Goods Association, a regulatory agency run by the Australian Department of Health.

What’s more, Thorne supplements undergo four rounds of in-house testing to ensure quality and purity.

Pros & cons

• provides all eight B vitamins
• also includes choline
• third-party tested
• vegan and gluten-free

• offers a very high dose of B12 compared to other vitamins
• can be difficult to find in local stores

• provides all eight B vitamins
• also includes choline
• third-party tested
• vegan and gluten-free

• offers a very high dose of B12 compared to other vitamins
• can be difficult to find in local stores

Product details

• Active ingredient(s): thiamin 40 mg (3,333% DV), riboflavin 28.6 mg (2,200% DV), niacin 80 mg (500% DV), vitamin b6 23.4 mg (1,376% DV), folate 667 mcg DFE (167% DV), vitamin B12 600 mcg (25,000% DV), biotin 80 mcg (267% DV), pantothenic acid 45 mg (900% DV), choline 14 mg (3% DV)
• Returns: no returns
• Shipping: free shipping for Prime members

• Active ingredient(s): thiamin 40 mg (3,333% DV), riboflavin 28.6 mg (2,200% DV), niacin 80 mg (500% DV), vitamin b6 23.4 mg (1,376% DV), folate 667 mcg DFE (167% DV), vitamin B12 600 mcg (25,000% DV), biotin 80 mcg (267% DV), pantothenic acid 45 mg (900% DV), choline 14 mg (3% DV)
• Returns: no returns
• Shipping: free shipping for Prime members

Vitamin B complex supplements compared

-Price Form B vitaminsAdditional nutrientsDietary considerationsNordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex$$capsuleall eightnone• vegan• gluten-freeKlean Athlete B-Complex$capsuleall eight• choline• inositol• benfotiamine• vegan• gluten-freePure Encapsulations B-Complex Plus $capsuleall eightnone• vegan• certified gluten-freePure Encapsulations B-Complex Liquid$$$liquidsix (no folate or biotin)none• gluten-free• vegetarianThorne B-Complex #12$capsuleall eightcholinegluten-freeWhy Trust Healthline1320+vitamins, minerals, and supplements evaluated95+vitamins, minerals, and supplements personally tested40+vitamin, mineral, and supplement brands personally testedHow we evaluate vitamins, minerals, and supplements

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.

How to pick a vitamin B complex supplement

• 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 suggests 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.

Vitamin B Complex vs. Vitamin B12

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:

• How to choose high quality vitamins and supplements
• How to read supplement labels like a pro

Frequently asked questions about vitamin B supplements

Which vitamin B complex is the best?

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.

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.

Is it better to take B12 or B complex?

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.

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.

What foods have vitamin B?

B vitamins are naturally found in a variety of foods. Some of the best sources include leafy green vegetables, beans, dairy products, and meat.

B vitamins are naturally found in a variety of foods. Some of the best sources include leafy green vegetables, beans, dairy products, and meat.

How much vitamin B complex should I take daily?

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.

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.

What is vitamin B good for?

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.

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.

Who should not take vitamin B complex?

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.

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.

The bottom line

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.