However, with the different vitamin B supplement brands available on the market, it may be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. To help you find exactly which one you need, we have prepared a list of the best vitamin B supplements that you can order online as well as a buying guide with comments from pharmacist Robi Uy to help you know how to choose which one to purchase.
Robi began his career in Watsons Philippines as the Senior Pharmacist in SM Mall of Asia Entertainment Mall branch. His experience as a Dispensing Pharmacist enabled him to become an expert in Community Pharmacy practice and the overall Retail Pharmacy operations. Currently, he is the Regulatory Affairs Senior Assistant Manager of Unilever Philippines. His knowledge about Pharmacy and related Regulations enables him to provide and share relevant information about regulated products such as food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices to consumers.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Different vitamin B supplement brands come in either a tablet or capsule form. While both have their advantages, the best one for you ultimately depends on your lifestyle.
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.
B vitamins are important in energy production, so taking them is highly beneficial, especially if you are stressed, have unhealthy dietary practices, or have a demanding job. Some vitamin B supplements don’t come with all eight B vitamins, though, so it’s important to understand what each of them is for.
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.
Since vitamin B1 is not naturally produced by our bodies, it is important to eat thiamine-rich foods (such as meat, fish, whole grains, green peas, and sunflower seeds, to name a few) or take supplements. The RDA of vitamin B1 is 1.2 mg for adult males and 1.2 mg for adult females respectively.
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.
Riboflavin is found naturally from dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, eggs, lean beef, pork, organ meats like beef liver, chicken breast, and salmon, to name a few.
It aids in the proper development of the skin by helping improve skin tone, making skin more radiant, and balancing natural oils effective to alleviate dry skin or prevent acne. It is also important for eye health as studies shows can help prevent cataracts.
Niacin can help prevent serious diseases, too, like heart attacks, osteoarthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. Be careful because if you are vitamin B3 deficient, you can suffer from pellagra. The recommended intake for adults is between 16-18 mg daily.
Vitamin B3, or niacin is naturally found in red meat, fortified cereals and breads, nuts, seeds, legumes, and bananas, to name a few. Vitamin B3 is measured in milligrams (mg) of Niacin equivalents (NE) and the RDA of niacin is 16 mg for adult males and 14 mg for adult females.
As mentioned above, vitamin B3 deficiency can lead to pellagra, a condition affecting the skin, digestive and nervous systems. Symptoms include thick, scaly pigmented rash on the skin when exposed to sunlight, swollen mouth and bright red tongue, apathy, disorientation, and memory loss. If not treated, pellagra can lead to death.
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.
Almost all plant- and animal-based foods contain pantothenic acid in varying amounts. Some of the richest dietary sources are beef, chicken, organ meats, whole grains, and some vegetables.
Pantothenic acid helps vitamin C in the production of collagen, which is necessary for healthy skin and hair.
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.
Vitamin B6 plays an important role in a wide variety of functions in the body, mostly concerned with protein metabolism. It is crucial in the cognitive development and brain function through the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters. It is also involved in immune function and hemoglobin formation.
The RDA of vitamin B6 is 1.6 mg for both adult males and females. Inadequate Vitamin B6 is associated with microcytic anemia, electroencephalographic abnormalities, dermatitis with cheilosis (scaling on the lips and cracks at the corners of the mouth).
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.
Taking biotin contributes to healthy skin, hair, and nails by improving the skin condition, helping prevent signs of aging and hair loss, and strengthening the nails. Biotin deficiency can cause thinning of the hair up to hair loss, scaly, red rash around body openings, and skin infection.
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.
Vitamin B9, known as folic acid, is the fully oxidized monoglutamate form of the vitamin that is used in fortified foods and most dietary supplements. It is important in red blood cell formation and for healthy cell growth and function.
Vitamin B12 in inactive form is called Cyanocobalamin. It is required for the development, myelination, and function of the central nervous system and red blood cell formation. Both Vitamin B9 and B12 have properties that help prevent malignant anemia, hence called "vitamins of hematopoiesis" collectively.
Vitamin B supplements can be natural or synthetic. Even though you can get vitamins and minerals from food, sometimes, they are not enough. Both natural and synthetic supplements have their own characteristics and knowing them will help you know which is the best to take.
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.
As previously mentioned, natural supplements contain concentrated nutrients derived solely from whole food sources such as plants or animals. Although they are "natural," it is still best to be a label-reader and practice due diligence to know whether they contain ingredients that could possibly harm you, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.
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.
Synthetic supplements, as its name implies, are produced artificially and may contain ingredients that are identical to essential nutrients needed by the body. These can help you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients if you are unable to eat balanced meals.
These supplements may contain ingredients that may have adverse effects on your body. Therefore, it is best to consult with your medical provider before taking these supplements. Also, make reading the labels and descriptions a habit!
To get the best results, make sure that you're getting the daily recommended vitamin B complex intake. Check it out here:
For older adults aged 65 or older, you may consider getting supplements with more vitamin B12 and vitamin B9 for better neurological health and decreased risk for depression.
To achieve the optimum benefits of supplements, you should know the recommended daily allowance based on your gender, age, and overall health condition.
You may refer to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) to check for the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B according to your age, or, consult with your medical provider so that you can know in detail what your body needs. You can buy individual B vitamins, but a full B-complex vitamin supplement can be a better option.
GMP or "Good Manufacturing Practice" is a system that manufacturers strictly comply with so that products are consistently manufactured and controlled according to quality standards, ensuring the quality and safety of these products fit for human consumption. It covers all stages of manufacturing.
NSF stands for the National Sanitation Foundation, which ensures that supplements are safe and that there are no unlisted ingredients or harmful levels of impurities that can be found in the product. Meanwhile, USP stands for the United States Pharmacopeia, which makes sure that the vitamins dissolve properly and are not harmful.
Checking if your supplements are NSF, USP-certified, or follow GMP is an extra step to ensure that they're safe to take and that they will truly benefit you and your health. To do this, you can check the product description or search for the products online.
Vitamin B supplements in the market vary widely depending on the other ingredients present in the product. It is best to know this first hand to prevent any untoward incident such as allergic reactions. It is best to read the labels carefully and look for the allergen section, side effects, and adverse effects. Additionally, before purchasing a product, you may also do your due diligence by looking up the product and brand reviews online.
A lot of users have noted how energized they feel after taking this supplement, making it great for the days you feel extra lethargic. Additionally, it also helps with migraines and hot flashes during menopause. For best results, don’t forget to take this product with food to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.
Going through a lot of stress lately? Add a bit more vitamin B to your diet to help prevent fatigue, anemia, and even hair loss. This vitamin B complex from Herbs of the Earth is an excellent choice, since it includes all the essential B vitamins to keep you healthy and prevent premature aging.
This is intended for adults who want to improve their well-being in a natural, safe, and effective way. Just make sure not to take more than 1 tablet a day because it contains over 850 mg of vitamin B complex in each tablet. With all its features, you won't regret buying this vitamin B supplement because it will surely provide you with maximum benefits.
If you prefer to stock up on your vitamins or are looking for vitamins that you can share with your family, too, this may be a great option for you since each bottle contains 500 tablets. Each tablet is packed with vitamin B-complex to help support energy metabolism and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system. It also contains electrolytes to keep you hydrated.
Moreover, it helps maintain a healthy nervous system and convert food to energy that you can use all day. This supplement is free of preservatives, lactose, artificial color, flavoring, and gluten, but if you are pregnant or nursing, it is best to consult with your doctor before taking this.
Vitamin B7, also known as Biotin, is responsible for energy production and the nourishment of hair, skin, and nails. Taking this supplement will help you achieve a healthy glow from within, together with shiny hair and strong nails. Aside from this, it also supports your metabolism, giving you a slimming effect.
This supplement is gluten-free and doesn't have any artificial preservatives, so if you're sensitive to those ingredients, you won't have anything to worry about. If you suffer from hairfall, dull skin, or brittle nails, this is a great supplement to add to your daily morning or night routine.
This supplement has all eight B vitamins needed for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein and serves as an energy booster. It also has vitamin C, which slows down inflammation symptoms and acts as an antioxidant to help fight free radicals that cause premature aging.
Its vitamin D and zinc content also help strengthen and improve the immune system to fight off viruses and illnesses. By taking this supplement, rest assured that you will get the recommended daily amount of nutrients your body needs. For best results, take 1 capsule daily after meals to avoid stomach upset.
This supplement contains five B vitamins that are important for the nervous system to function properly and manage neuromuscular disorders. It also helps convert food to energy that can be used to support body processes. By taking this supplement, it can help improve the body's mental and emotional functions.
This is ideal for older adults who are suffering from age-related conditions because it can keep the immune system and nervous system healthy. It can also prevent emotional disturbance and help in the treatment of emotional disorders. This is meant to be taken once a day or as prescribed by your doctor.
Neurobion is a nerve supplement that effectively nourishes, protects, and regenerates the nerves. This is because B vitamins are essential to help the nerves function properly. For treatment of moderate nerve-related cases, it is recommended to take 1-2 tablets a day with or after meals.
This supplement is recommended for adults aged 50 and above, since they often have problems with nerve degeneration. It is also safe to use by pregnant women, although keep in mind that high doses of vitamin B6 may inhibit the production of breast milk. Don't forget to consult your doctor for the proper dosage to take.
This supplement has three B vitamins that are important in preventing numbness and tingling sensations, promoting mental alertness, and increasing energy levels. They also help in preventing and treating vitamin B deficiencies. The recommended dosage is 1-2 tablets per day or as prescribed by a physician.
It can be taken with or without food, but to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, it's better to take it after a meal. This is good for people with busy lifestyles to get all the energy they need. With its inexpensive price, you can get the vitamins you need without breaking the bank.
Aside from improving thesystem's system's function, this product claims to alleviate vomiting during pregnancy, radiation sickness, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, idiopathic and senile tremors, and lower back pain. Adults are recommended to take one tablet any time of the day, but it is best to take it on an empty stomach.
Adults are recommended to take 1-2 tablets daily with or without food. Even though this is a generic product, be informed that most generic products are just as effective as branded ones. If you're looking for something more affordable and are not brand-conscious, we recommend getting this vitamin B supplement.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by John Robinson Uy, RPh, MBA.
Vitamin B can be taken daily. However, it is best to consult with your medical provider to understand better what your body needs and lacks.
It is recommended to take B vitamins in the morning, preferably with a meal, to maximize their absorption. You can also look at the directions on how and when to take the supplement, written on the packaging of the product.
According to studies, B vitamins at doses below their toxicity threshold strongly promote body fat gain. It is best to consult with your medical provider, especially those with pre-existing conditions affecting cholesterol levels.
See the pharmacist-approved vitamin B supplement below! Don't skip the description to know why he recommends it.
This supplement contains B-complex vitamins (vitamins B1, B6, and B12). These nutrients are required for normal nerve function and are used as an adjunct in the management of neuromuscular pain.
Since it is from a trusted household generic brand, it is not just affordable, but you are also assured of its quality. You may also choose between foil or bottle packaging, making it a great choice for those on the go or stocking at home.
Having a healthy body and mind is of utmost importance, so that you can continue with your daily life and live it to the fullest! Check out our other product recommendations and buying guides below for more supplements that can aid your health.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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