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B Vitamin Supplements

Review of B Vitamin Supplements

Read our reviews of B vitamin supplements to find the best B complex, niacin, B-6, B-12, biotin, thiamin and folate, including "methyl" forms such as methylfolate. Get information about dosage, safety, and B vitamins for energy, memory, depression and more.

B Vitamin Supplements Review

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Product Review

Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review

Best Multivitamins In 2023 -- Caution with Gummies

CL Answer

I was told I have a MTHFR gene mutation. Do I need to take methylated forms of B vitamins, such as methylfolate and methylcobalamin?

MTHFR gene mutation can impact B vitamin bioavailability. Learn more about this and which deficiencies are more likely to occur.

Testing for B Vitamins

CL Answer

Can prenatal vitamins have too much folic acid? Mine has 800 mcg, but isn't that more than what's recommended? Is this dangerous to me or my baby?

Is it possible for prenatal vitamins to have too much folic acid? Find out the correct dosage so that it is not dangerous to babies.

Too Much Folic Acid in Prenatal Vitamins? -- Pregnant woman taking supplements

Clinical Update

6/12/2018

Methylfolate vs. Folic Acid

Methylfolate (L-5-methylfolate, sold as Metafolin and Quatrefolic) is a form of folate promoted for use by people with common genetic mutations that affect the MTHFR enzyme. But is it really better than folic acid? A study recently tested them head-to-head. Get the results in the Folate section of the B Vitamins Review. Also see our Top Picks among methylfolate and folic acid products.

CL Answer

What is Metafolin (5-methylfolate)? I see it in some supplements instead of folic acid. Is it better than folic acid?

Metafolin and Quatrefolic information - compare to folate and folic acid.

Metafolin

Clinical Update

7/16/2019

Is Methylfolate the Best Form of Folate?

Methylfolate has been promoted as a better form of folate (vitamin B9), particularly for people with certain common genetic variations. A clinical study recently put methylfolate to the test against folic acid and folinic acid. The results were surprising. Get the details in the Folate section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among folate and other B vitamin supplements.

CL Answer

I take fluoxetine (Prozac), a SSRI drug to treat depression. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Learn about Prozac (fluoxetine) drug interactions along with other supplements and SSRIs.

Woman Taking Pill with Glass of Water

CL Answer

Why does my multivitamin make me nauseous? Is there anything that can help?

Find out if ingredients in multivitamins can cause nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Multivitamins Causing Nausea -- woman with nausea holding multivitamin

CL Answer

The maker of my multivitamin says it doesn't include folic acid because too much from supplements can be harmful. Is that true?

Learn more about the harmful effects from too much folic acid, including increased risk of prostate cancer and kidney damage.

Harm from Too Much Folic Acid ? -- Multivitamin bottle and label

CL Answer

What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?

Best natural supplements for depression and anxiety, including the evidence for fish oil, vitamin D, probiotics, and herbal supplements for depression such as curcumin (from turmeric) and saffron.

Best Supplements for Depression and Anxiety -- sad young woman sitting on couch, looking toward the window

CL Answer

What B-vitamin complex do you recommend for older people?

Vitamin B complex supplement recommendations, benefits and top rated brands for older people and all ages.

B Vitamins

Clinical Update

11/15/2021

High-dose Folate for Depression

My psychiatrist told me to take high-dose of methylfolate to improve the effectiveness of my antidepressant. Is there evidence for this and is it safe? Find out in the Folate section of our B Vitamins Review.

Product Review

Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review

Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests

News Release

June 14, 2022

Best B Complexes, B12, and Other B Vitamin Supplements Revealed by ConsumerLab Tests: Beware of High Doses

  White Plains, New York, June 14, 2022 — Recent ConsumerLab tests of over 30 popular vitamin B complexes and supplements revealed that four products contained either much less, or much more, of at least one B vitamin listed on the label.

News Release

February 12, 2021

Don't Be Surprised by New Labels on Many Vitamins

White Plains, New York, February 12, 2021 — It took almost four years, but more accurate labels on vitamin and mineral supplements are finally here and consumers should not be surprised to see changes, says Tod Cooperman, M.D., president and founder of ConsumerLab.

News Release

June 25, 2019

ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Best B Vitamin Supplements -- 19% of B Vitamin Supplements Fail CL's Tests of Quality

White Plains, New York, June 25, 2019 — B vitamins and complexes are among the most popular supplements sold in the U.S. because B vitamins are essential for a wide range of functions in the body.