We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Was this helpful?

Vitamin B complex is a group of B vitamins that play a role in your body’s functions, including cardiovascular and cell health. You typically get these vitamins from a nutritious diet.

Vitamin B complex is composed of eight B vitamins:

Each of these essential vitamins contributes to your overall bodily function. Read on to learn more about how these nutrients benefit you, how much you need, whether you should take supplements, and more.

B vitamins play a vital role in maintaining good health and well-being. As the building blocks of a healthy body, B vitamins have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism.

Vitamin B complex may help prevent infections and help support or promote:

  • cell health
  • growth of red blood cells
  • energy levels
  • eyesight
  • brain function
  • digestion
  • appetite
  • proper nerve function
  • hormones and cholesterol production
  • cardiovascular health
  • muscle tone

For those who are pregnant

B vitamins are especially important for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. These vitamins aid in fetal brain development, and they reduce the risk of birth defects.

For people who are expecting, B vitamins may help manage energy levels, ease nausea, and lower the risk of developing preeclampsia.

For boosting testosterone

B vitamins are sometimes included in “testosterone-boosting” supplements and are thought to increase testosterone levels in men, which naturally decrease with age. However, human studies confirming these claims are lacking.

In spite of the lack of evidence for any testosterone-boosting effects, because B vitamins are helpful in hormone regulation, it’s possible that B vitamins may help regulate male hormones as well as female hormones.

The recommended daily amount of each B vitamin varies.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the recommended daily intake for women is:

  • B1: 1.1 milligrams (mg)
  • B2: 1.1 mg
  • B3: 14 mg NE
  • B5: 5 mg
  • B6: 1.3 mg
  • Biotin: 30 micrograms (mcg)
  • Folic acid: 400 mcg DFE
  • B12: 2.4 mcg

For men, the NIH recommends the following daily intake:

  • B1: 1.2 mg
  • B2: 1.3 mg
  • B3: 16 mg NE
  • B5: 5 mg
  • B6: 1.3 mg
  • Biotin: 30 mcg
  • Folic acid: 400 mcg DFE
  • B12: 2.4 mcg

Older adults and those who are pregnant may require higher amounts of B vitamins. Your doctor can provide dosage information tailored to your individual needs.

Certain underlying health conditions can prevent your body from properly absorbing vitamin B. You should also talk with your doctor about your vitamin B intake if you have:

Lots of foods contain B vitamins, making it easy to get enough from your diet. It’s best to get your B vitamins from a wide variety of food sources. This helps ensure you’re getting enough of each type.

You can find vitamin B in:

  • milk
  • cheese
  • eggs
  • liver and kidney
  • meat, such as chicken and red meat
  • fish, such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon
  • shellfish, such as oysters and clams
  • dark green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
  • vegetables, such as beets, avocados, and potatoes
  • whole grains and cereals
  • beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas
  • nuts and seeds
  • fruits, such as citrus, banana, and watermelon
  • soy products, such as soy milk and tempeh
  • blackstrap molasses
  • wheat germ
  • yeast and nutritional yeast

Most people get enough B vitamins by eating a balanced diet. However, it’s still possible to be deficient, especially if you’ve been taking certain medications for a while, such as proton pump inhibitors, or if you follow a very strict vegan or vegetarian diet.

The following symptoms may signal you’re not getting enough B vitamins:

  • skin rashes
  • cracks around the mouth
  • scaly skin on the lips
  • swollen tongue
  • fatigue
  • weakness
  • anemia
  • confusion
  • irritability or depression
  • nausea
  • abdominal cramps
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • numbness or tingling in the feet and hands

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and aren’t sure why, make an appointment to talk with your doctor.

Although it’s possible that you’re experiencing a vitamin B deficiency, these symptoms also overlap with many other underlying conditions. Your doctor can make a diagnosis and advise you on next steps.

If you’re deficient in B vitamins you may experience a range of symptoms, depending on which B vitamins you’re lacking.

If left untreated, a deficiency could increase your risk for:

Vitamin B12 deficiency, in particular, may increase your risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. Researchers are also investigating its role in hyperhomocysteinemia and atherosclerosis.

Babies born to individuals who were deficient in folic acid during pregnancy may be more likely to have certain birth defects.

Most people get enough B vitamins through their diet. Whole foods are also the best way for your body to absorb these vitamins.

It’s not necessary to take a supplement unless your doctor has confirmed that you’re deficient in a specific B vitamin. If they note a deficiency, they’ll most likely tell you whether you should take a specific B supplement or add a vitamin B complex supplement to your routine.

You may be more likely to need supplementation if you:

  • are age 50 or older
  • are pregnant
  • have certain chronic health conditions
  • take certain long-term medications
  • eat a strictly meat-free diet

One thing to keep in mind: Supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so you should only buy from a trusted, reputable brand. This helps ensure you’re taking a high quality product without any questionable additives.

If your doctor has noted a deficiency, they may be able to recommend a specific brand of supplements.

You should always read all labels carefully and follow any directions given by the manufacturer. If you have questions about the dosage, talk with your doctor.

You’re unlikely to get too much vitamin B complex from your diet. That’s because B complex vitamins are water soluble. That means they aren’t stored in your body but are excreted in your urine daily.

You’re also unlikely to get too much vitamin B if you’re taking any supplementation as directed.

That said, as with most supplements, it’s possible to consume too much at once — especially if you’re taking a supplement without receiving a deficiency diagnosis from your doctor.

When consumed in excess, a few different B vitamins can have specific side effects. For instance:

  • Vitamin B6. Too much B6 may lead to peripheral neuropathy, which is a loss of feeling in the arms and legs.
  • Folate or folic acid. Too much of this vitamin can cover up the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can eventually lead to nervous system damage.
  • Niacin. Too much niacin may cause skin flushes. Long-term excessive use may lead to liver damage.

While there isn’t enough research to say exactly what will happen if you consume too much B complex, more is not necessarily better, especially over the long term.

It’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor before you add any supplements to your routine.

You can discuss your desired health goal and why you think supplementation is necessary. Your doctor can help you determine if this is the best treatment option and advise you on any next steps.

Some supplements can interact with certain underlying conditions and medications, so it’s important to keep your doctor informed.

You should also see your doctor if you think you may be deficient in B vitamins. They can help determine what’s causing your symptoms and, if needed, recommend ways to increase your B vitamin intake.

What is vitamin B complex useful for?

B vitamins have a wide range of functions, including enabling the release of energy through metabolism and supporting the nervous system. Vitamin B complex is also useful for sleep disturbances, irritability, fatigue, anemia, mental health symptoms, and dermatitis, among others. Low levels of B vitamins can lead to neurological and physical problems.

Should you stop taking vitamin B if your urine is yellow?

Bright yellow urine can be a result of vitamin B content in your urine, but this is usually harmless and doesn’t mean you need to stop taking the vitamins.

Is vitamin B complex the same as B12?

No, they are not the same. Vitamin B12 is one of many vitamins known as B complex. Other vitamins include niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid, which have a range of functions. The body needs vitamin B12 to develop and maintain the central nervous system, to produce healthy red blood cells, and to create DNA. All the B vitamins are essential for health.

Which is better, B12 or B complex?

Not everyone needs to take all the vitamins in the vitamin B complex. Depending on your health needs and symptoms, B12 or B complex may be better suited for you. Your doctor can advise you on whether you need vitamin B12 only or as part of the vitamin B complex.

Is it okay to take B complex every day?

Vitamin B complex appears to be safe for most people to take every day as the body does not store any excess. These vitamins are eliminated in the urine. When taking vitamin B supplements, however, it is essential to follow the instructions. Taking too much of some B vitamins may have adverse effects, like diarrhea, rashes, and headaches.

B vitamins are essential for the proper working of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and many other functions. There are several B vitamins, collectively available in supplement form as vitamin B complex.

People who may need B vitamin supplements include older adults, people who are pregnant, and those who follow a strict plant-based diet. A doctor can advise on whether you need vitamin B complex or a specific B vitamin.

Those who need supplements can purchase them in health food stores. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe vitamin B.