B-50
NOW
B-50
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(30076 ratings)
Thiamin 50 mg
Niacin 50 mg
Riboflavin 50 mg
Vitamin B12 50 mcg
PABA 25 mg
Vitamin B5 50 mg
Choline 25 mg
Score 80
A comprehensive B-complex from a reputable brand, offering strong doses of essential B vitamins for energy, metabolism, and overall health at an excellent price. Uses conventional, rather than activated, forms of some B vitamins.
Quantity: 100 Capsule(s) • (100 servings)
Goals: flag Brain Health flag Metabolism Boost flag Energy flag Cognitive Support flag Cardiovascular Support
leaderboard Score 80
A comprehensive B-complex from a reputable brand, offering strong doses of essential B vitamins for energy, metabolism, and overall health at an excellent price. Uses conventional, rather than activated, forms of some B vitamins.
insights Analysis
NOW B-50 is a well-regarded B-complex supplement designed to support various bodily functions due to the critical role of B vitamins in metabolism, energy production, and nerve health. The product delivers 50mg of most primary B vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B6), along with 50mcg of Biotin and B12, and 667mcg DFE of Folate. It also includes 25mg each of Choline, Inositol, and PABA, which are B-vitamin cofactors supportive of neurological and metabolic processes. The formulation uses common, cost-effective forms such as Cyanocobalamin for B12 and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride for B6, and Folic Acid for Folate. While these forms are less bioavailable than their activated counterparts (e.g., Methylcobalamin, P-5-P, L-Methylfolate), they are generally sufficient for preventing deficiencies and providing benefits for most healthy individuals. The product's high review count and positive feedback online attest to its perceived efficacy and reliability. Its competitive price point makes it an accessible option for daily B vitamin support.
- Provides a full spectrum of B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12, along with Choline, Inositol, and PABA.
- Offers a high potency of 50mg for most B vitamins, which is beneficial for individuals with increased needs or mild deficiencies.
- Very cost-effective, offering a low price per serving for a comprehensive B-complex supplement.
- Produced by NOW Foods, a widely recognized and trusted brand in the supplement industry.
- Boasts a very high number of positive online reviews, indicating strong customer satisfaction and perceived effectiveness.
- Utilizes synthetic forms of some B vitamins like Cyanocobalamin (B12) and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (B6), which are less bioavailable for certain individuals, especially those with MTHFR gene variations.
- Contains Folic Acid as the Folate source, which requires metabolic conversion and may not be optimal for everyone compared to L-Methylfolate.
- The Niacin component might include a form (Vitamin B3) that can cause a 'niacin flush' in sensitive individuals, characterized by temporary redness and itching, despite the inclusion of Niacinamide (non-flushing form).
- High doses of Riboflavin (B2) can cause urine to turn a bright yellow or orange color, which is a normal and harmless side effect, indicating the vitamin is being excreted.
- Due to the presence of Niacin (Vitamin B3 form), some sensitive individuals might experience a temporary 'niacin flush' (redness, warmth, itching, tingling) upon initial use, which usually subsides with continued use or by taking with food.
$8.00($0.08 per serving)
 Daily Vita | $ 8.00 | |
 Vitacost | $ 10.69 | |
| Daily Vita | $ 11.00 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 11.30 | |
 iHerb | $ 11.62 |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Thiamine | 50 mg |
Riboflavin | 50 mg |
Niacin | 50 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 50 mg |
Folate | 667 mcg DFE |
Vitamin B12 | 50 mcg |
Biotin | 50 mcg |
Pantothenic Acid | 50 mg |
Choline | 25 mg |
PABA | 25 mg |
Inositol | 25 mg |
Categories
Thiamin 85
Providing 50mg of Thiamin (Vitamin B1) across two forms is an excellent and robust dose, supporting its critical role in carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. This is a very effective quantity for most users.
Riboflavin 85
With 50mg of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), this product provides a strong dose for supporting energy production, antioxidant defense, and healthy skin and eyes. This quantity is ample for general supplementation and addressing deficiencies.
Vitamin B5 85
The 50mg dose of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) is excellent, as it plays a crucial role in energy production, hormone synthesis, and healthy skin. This is a standard and effective amount for a B-50 complex.
Goals
As essential cofactors for numerous bodily functions, a comprehensive B-complex like this is excellent for supporting overall health, addressing potential dietary deficiencies, and maintaining various physiological systems, contributing significantly to well-being.
As essential cofactors for numerous bodily functions, a comprehensive B-complex like this is excellent for supporting overall health, addressing potential dietary deficiencies, and maintaining various physiological systems, contributing significantly to well-being.
B vitamins are indispensable for the body's energy production pathways, converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable fuel. The robust dosages of B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12 in this complex directly support robust cellular metabolism, which can help combat fatigue and enhance overall energy levels effectively.
85 Value 
Balance B-100 Complex High-Potency
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(394 ratings)
For a similar price per serving (9 vs 10) as the original NOW B-50, this Swanson product offers a full B-100 complex, meaning 100mg of most major B vitamins. This effectively doubles the potency of many key B vitamins for nearly the same cost, providing significantly better value in terms of nutrient quantity.
82 Value 
Hi Potency B Complex
Natural Factors
4.7
★★★★★
(13054 ratings)
Natural Factors offers a high-potency B-complex with 50mg of most B vitamins, similar to the original, but at a slightly higher price per serving (12 vs 10). However, it generally uses quality forms and is from a reputable brand, providing a good balance of potency, brand trust, and reasonable cost for daily comprehensive B vitamin support.
87 Value 
B-Complex '100'
Solgar
4.7
★★★★★
(15200 ratings)
While its price per serving (15) is higher than the original, Solgar's B-Complex '100' provides 100mg of most major B vitamins, doubling the potency compared to a B-50. Solgar is known for its high-quality standards and purity, justifying the increased cost for a more potent and reliable supplement, offering better long-term value for those needing higher doses.
95 Performance 
Two-Per-Day Capsules
Life Extension
4.7
★★★★★
(85932 ratings)
While a multivitamin, this Life Extension product includes a superior B-complex profile with highly bioavailable forms like Methylcobalamin (B12), L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (Folate), and Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate (B6). These activated forms offer better absorption and utilization, making it a more effective choice for many, albeit at a higher price.
90 Performance 
Activated B-Complex High Bioavailability
Swanson
4.9
★★★★★
(1190 ratings)
This Swanson product is specifically formulated with activated forms of B vitamins, such as Benfotiamine (B1), Methylcobalamin (B12), Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate (B6), and Calcium L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (Folate). These forms bypass the need for conversion in the body, leading to improved absorption and efficacy, making it a truly 'better' option for optimal B vitamin delivery.
88 Performance 
B-Complex
Paradise Earth's Blend
4.7
★★★★★
(4459 ratings)
Paradise Earth's Blend B-Complex stands out by including activated B vitamin forms like Methylcobalamin, L-Methylfolate, and Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate. Additionally, it incorporates organic superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens, offering a holistic approach to health support beyond just the B vitamins, enhancing its overall efficacy and benefits.
78 Budget 
B 50 Complex
Thompson
4.7
★★★★★
(2864 ratings)
This Thompson B 50 Complex offers a very similar B-complex profile and potency to the NOW B-50, but at a slightly lower price per serving (8 vs 10). It provides a cost-effective option for comparable foundational B vitamin support.
77 Budget 
B-50 Complex
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(8446 ratings)
The 21st Century B-50 Complex matches the core B-vitamin dosages of the NOW B-50, including 50mg of most B vitamins, and comes at a significantly lower price per serving (8 vs 10). This makes it a highly economical alternative for basic B-complex needs.
80 Budget 
B 100 Complex
Spring Valley
4.7
★★★★★
(401 ratings)
Spring Valley's B 100 Complex provides double the potency for most major B vitamins (100mg instead of 50mg) at a price per serving of 9, which is still cheaper than the original product. This offers substantially more value and higher doses for individuals seeking stronger B-vitamin support without a major price increase.
85 Value
Balance B-100 Complex High-Potency
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(394 ratings)
For a similar price per serving (9 vs 10) as the original NOW B-50, this Swanson product offers a full B-100 complex, meaning 100mg of most major B vitamins. This effectively doubles the potency of many key B vitamins for nearly the same cost, providing significantly better value in terms of nutrient quantity.
82 Value
Hi Potency B Complex
Natural Factors
4.7
★★★★★
(13054 ratings)
Natural Factors offers a high-potency B-complex with 50mg of most B vitamins, similar to the original, but at a slightly higher price per serving (12 vs 10). However, it generally uses quality forms and is from a reputable brand, providing a good balance of potency, brand trust, and reasonable cost for daily comprehensive B vitamin support.
87 Value
B-Complex '100'
Solgar
4.7
★★★★★
(15200 ratings)
While its price per serving (15) is higher than the original, Solgar's B-Complex '100' provides 100mg of most major B vitamins, doubling the potency compared to a B-50. Solgar is known for its high-quality standards and purity, justifying the increased cost for a more potent and reliable supplement, offering better long-term value for those needing higher doses.
95 Performance
Two-Per-Day Capsules
Life Extension
4.7
★★★★★
(85932 ratings)
While a multivitamin, this Life Extension product includes a superior B-complex profile with highly bioavailable forms like Methylcobalamin (B12), L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (Folate), and Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate (B6). These activated forms offer better absorption and utilization, making it a more effective choice for many, albeit at a higher price.
90 Performance
Activated B-Complex High Bioavailability
Swanson
4.9
★★★★★
(1190 ratings)
This Swanson product is specifically formulated with activated forms of B vitamins, such as Benfotiamine (B1), Methylcobalamin (B12), Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate (B6), and Calcium L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (Folate). These forms bypass the need for conversion in the body, leading to improved absorption and efficacy, making it a truly 'better' option for optimal B vitamin delivery.
88 Performance
B-Complex
Paradise Earth's Blend
4.7
★★★★★
(4459 ratings)
Paradise Earth's Blend B-Complex stands out by including activated B vitamin forms like Methylcobalamin, L-Methylfolate, and Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate. Additionally, it incorporates organic superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens, offering a holistic approach to health support beyond just the B vitamins, enhancing its overall efficacy and benefits.