8 Best Vitamin B Supplements in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pharmacist

Tablets are pills made by compressing powdered ingredients together. They're the most common type of pill and are inexpensive, considering they hold a high dosage of nutrients. They also have a longer shelf life, making them easy to stock and store.

However, some people don't like tablets since they tend to leave an unpleasant aftertaste after swallowing them, since some products don't have coatings to mask the taste of the powder. They're more likely to cause irritation in the stomach, too, so keep that in mind if you have a sensitive gut.

Capsules are medication that is enclosed by an outer shell. This means that it doesn't leave any bad aftertastes, plus, it's more easily broken down in the stomach. This allows the nutrients to be distributed more quickly, making it more fast-acting compared to tablets.

Some disadvantages that you should consider before buying them, though, is that they tend to be more expensive but have a shorter shelf life. They cost more to manufacture yet expire more easily, so it may not be a good idea to stock a lot of capsule-type supplements for a long time.

Do you constantly feel tired because of stress or work? You might want to take vitamin B1. Vitamin B1 or thiamine converts excess carbohydrates into energy to help you recover from fatigue or exhaustion. The human body does not produce thiamine, so you need to eat thiamine-rich food or take supplements.

Vitamin B1 is also necessary for keeping the nervous system functioning properly. Lack of thiamine can lead to fatigue, loss of appetite, or worse, beriberi.  However, note that taking thiamine in high doses may cause drowsiness and muscle relaxation.

Vitamin B2 also acts as an antioxidant, which helps prevent cancer and cholesterol build-up by controlling harmful molecules called free radicals. Lack of riboflavin can cause weakness, dermatitis, and anemia. Male adults are recommended to take 1.3 mg of vitamin B2, while women are recommended to take 1.1 mg daily.

Male and female adults are recommended to have a daily intake of 5 mg of vitamin B5. Vitamin B5 deficiency is rare, but it can cause numbness, fatigue, and insomnia.

On the other hand, vitamin B6 deficiency can cause nerve damage and cervical dysplasia, while too much vitamin B6 in the body can also be dangerous, since it can cause oversensitivity to sunlight, nausea, and vomiting. 

Biotin also works well in strengthening the nails. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who is experiencing damaged or cracked nails. The recommended daily intake of biotin for adults is 30 mcg. Lack of vitamin B7 can cause serious complications like diseases in the intestinal tract, skin, and nervous system.

When you put vitamin B9 and B12 together, you’ll get the right combination for the formation of erythrocytes. These compounds are known as the “vitamins of hematopoiesis.” Their unique properties help prevent malignant anemia. They help produce red blood cells and promote lactation for women.

This is why adults and lactating mothers are recommended to take 400 mcg daily. Be careful since vitamin B9 deficiency is linked to birth defects, pregnancy loss, and depression. Meanwhile, for the right dosage of vitamin B12, the recommended daily intake should be 2.4 mcg.

Natural supplements are made with concentrated, dried food or plant materials. They provide lower doses compared to synthetic supplements, but are ideal to take for everyday wellness if you are not suffering from any illnesses or deficiencies. These supplements are generally safe to consume and do not cause harm to your body.

However, it is still important to check the ingredients, especially if you are allergic to certain food items to make sure that these supplements are safe for you. Nutrient-rich extracts are used to make them, so they tend to be more expensive than synthetic ones.

Synthetic is not always bad, especially when it comes to dietary supplements. You can get vitamins and minerals from eating food, but they do not always provide the recommended amount that people need. Synthetic supplements are said to be able to treat vitamin B deficiencies because they have high doses.

They are called isolated or simulated nutrients and are usually non-organic. If you are suffering from illnesses because of a lack of vitamin intake, synthetic supplements can help you heal, replenish energy, and recover. They are also cheaper than natural supplements and are easily available.