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B-Complex 50

The Vitamin Shoppe
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(195 ratings)
PABA 50 mg
Vitamin B6 50 mg
Riboflavin 50 mg
Thiamin 50 mg
Choline 50 mg
Biotin 300 mcg
Vitamin B5 50 mg
Product Image
Score73
Broad B-vitamin coverage and methylcobalamin support a useful one-capsule formula. High pyridoxine is the central long-term drawback.
How scoring works
Quantity:100 Capsule(s) • (100 servings)
Goals:
Energy
Metabolism Boost

Score 73

Broad B-vitamin coverage and methylcobalamin support a useful one-capsule formula. High pyridoxine is the central long-term drawback.
How scoring works

Also available as

1 option
100 mg • 100 Capsule(s) servings 100 mg • 100 Capsule(s) • 100 servings $23.99 ($0.23 per serving)
$17.99($0.17 per serving)
iHerb
$ 17.99
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Analysis

The formula provides substantial thiamine, riboflavin, niacinamide, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate, B12, and biotin. Methylcobalamin is a useful B12 form, and the one-capsule serving is convenient.

Pyridoxine HCl is used instead of active P-5-P and reaches 50 mg per serving. Choline, inositol, and PABA add label breadth but remain modest amounts.

The product fits short-term or intermittent users seeking a conventional high-potency B complex. Long-term daily use is harder to support because sustained pyridoxine intake may cause nerve symptoms.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking a high-potency B complex
  • Users who prefer one capsule
  • People planning short-term or intermittent use
Best for
  • Broad B-vitamin coverage
  • Normal energy metabolism
  • Methylcobalamin in a conventional complex

Pros

  • Includes methylcobalamin
  • One-capsule serving
  • Substantial core B-vitamin amounts
  • Provides 300 mcg biotin

Cons

  • Vitamin B6 uses pyridoxine HCl
  • B6 amount is high for long-term use
  • Choline and inositol are modest
  • Most forms are conventional

Warnings

  • Vitamin B6 at 50 mg may cause tingling, numbness, or other nerve symptoms with prolonged use
  • Niacinamide may cause stomach upset in sensitive users
  • Biotin can interfere with some laboratory tests

Nutrient quality

68 High impact

Methylcobalamin and D-biotin are useful, while pyridoxine and unspecified folate are conventional forms. Most B vitamins are substantial, but choline and several secondary compounds are modest.

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Ingredient transparency

79 High impact

Active amounts are visible, though repeated form entries make some totals less intuitive. Complete non-active ingredient details are not included in the supplied label data.

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Customer satisfaction

67 High impact

The supplied average rating provides limited high-level context. Detailed firsthand feedback is unavailable, so recurring complaints and purpose fit cannot be assessed.

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Value for money

77 High impact

Broad coverage and methylcobalamin support value at the modest serving cost. Substantial doses provide good serving value despite ordinary forms and high vitamin B6.

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Report analysis

Goals

Energy
Energy
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitC+ Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin B5 · 50 mgRiboflavin · 50 mgThiamin · 50 mgVitamin B12 · 50 mcg

A complete B-vitamin set directly supports carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Core B vitamins are supplied at substantial amounts, and methylcobalamin improves B12 quality.

The formula does not address acute alertness, stress resilience, or major mitochondrial cofactors such as CoQ10. The high vitamin B6 amount may be unnecessary for indefinite daily use.

Study evidence
Riboflavin Mixed 6 studies
Thiamin Disputed 12 studies
Metabolism Boost
Metabolism Boost
Impact
Moderate effect
C- Goal FitC+ Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB Formula Quality
Biotin · 300 mcgNiacin · 50 mg NEVitamin B12 · 50 mcgRiboflavin · 50 mgThiamin · 50 mgVitamin B5 · 50 mgVitamin B6 · 50 mg

High-dose B vitamins support the cofactor reactions that release energy from food. They do not directly stimulate thermogenesis or cover thyroid, glycemic, and mitochondrial transport pathways.

Methylcobalamin improves form quality, but most other vitamins use conventional forms. Long-term daily use of 50 mg vitamin B6 may cause tingling, numbness, or other nerve symptoms.

Study evidence
Riboflavin Mixed 5 studies
Vitamin B6 Supportive 16 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Thiamine (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B1)
 50 mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
 50 mg
Niacin (Niacinamide, Vitamin B3)
 50 mg NE
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
 50 mg
Folate
667 mcg DFE
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
 50 mcg
Biotin (D-Biotin)
 300 mcg
Pantothenic Acid (D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B5)
 50 mg
Choline (Choline Bitartrate)
 50 mg
Inositol
50 mg
PABA
50 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Sugar Free
Report overview
PABA · 50 mg OverallScore88
A Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB- Value

The clearly identified PABA amount fits a standard high-potency B-complex range. Standard immediate release is appropriate at this amount. The serving offers reasonable cost efficiency for the active amount delivered.

View ingredientView products
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) · 50 mg OverallScore86
C+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

The formula supplies 50 mg of pyridoxine hydrochloride with riboflavin to support conversion to active B6. The dose fits the preferred range, and one capsule provides the clearly labeled serving. The B-complex is economical for daily use.

View ingredientView products
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) · 50 mg OverallScore77
D- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

The 50 mg serving provides high-potency support, but standard riboflavin requires conversion to its active coenzyme form. The one vegetable capsule supports efficient release, and no unnecessary artificial additives are listed. The serving offers exceptional value for its form and potency.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
74 Performance

BioActive Complete B-Complex

Life Extension
<p>Its label clearly provides 100 mg of Thiamine as Thiamine Hydrochloride, making it a more clearly defined thiamin and vitamin b6 and biotin and riboflavin and vitamin b5 and paba option. Compared with the original, its ingredient and goal alignment is stronger, although it does not retain the original product’s choline coverage.</p>
77 Performance

B-50

NOW
<p>Its label clearly provides 50 mg of Thiamine as Thiamine Hydrochloride, making it a more clearly defined thiamin and vitamin b6 and riboflavin and choline and vitamin b5 and paba option. Compared with the original, its ingredient and goal alignment is stronger, although it does not retain the original product’s biotin coverage.</p>
81 Performance

Activated B-Complex High Bioavailability

Swanson
<p>Its label clearly provides 25 mg of Riboflavin as Riboflavin 5-Phosphate, making it a more clearly defined thiamin and vitamin b6 and riboflavin and choline and vitamin b5 and paba option. Compared with the original, its ingredient and goal alignment is stronger, although it does not retain the original product’s biotin coverage.</p>
76 Budget

B-50

NOW
<p>Its label clearly provides 50 mg of Inositol, preserving relevant thiamin and vitamin b6 and riboflavin and choline and vitamin b5 and paba coverage. Compared with the original, it lowers the serving cost, although it does not retain the original product’s biotin coverage.</p>
75 Budget

B-Complex 50

Bluebonnet
<p>Its label clearly provides 50 mg of Thiamine as Thiamine Mononitrate, preserving relevant thiamin and vitamin b6 and riboflavin and choline and vitamin b5 and paba coverage. Compared with the original, it lowers the serving cost, although it does not retain the original product’s biotin coverage.</p>
74 Budget

Balance B-50 Complex Comprehensive Formula

Swanson
<p>Its label clearly provides 50 mg of Thiamine as Thiamine Hydrochloride, preserving relevant thiamin and riboflavin and choline and vitamin b5 and paba coverage. Compared with the original, it lowers the serving cost, although it does not retain the original product’s vitamin b6 and biotin coverage.</p>
77 Value

B-50

NOW
<p>Its label clearly provides 50 mg of Thiamine as Thiamine Hydrochloride, keeping the formula relevant to thiamin and vitamin b6 and riboflavin and choline and vitamin b5 and paba. Compared with the original, the lower serving cost and ingredient detail create a useful quality-to-cost balance, although it does not retain the original product’s biotin coverage.</p>
77 Value

B-50 Complex 50 mg

Source Naturals
<p>Its label clearly provides 50 mg of Thiamine as Thiamine Mononitrate, keeping the formula relevant to thiamin and vitamin b6 and riboflavin and choline and vitamin b5 and paba. Compared with the original, the lower serving cost and ingredient detail create a useful quality-to-cost balance, although it does not retain the original product’s biotin coverage.</p>
74 Value

Balance B-50 Complex

Swanson
<p>Its label clearly provides 50 mg of Thiamine as Thiamine Hydrochloride, keeping the formula relevant to thiamin and riboflavin and choline and vitamin b5 and paba. Compared with the original, the lower serving cost and ingredient detail create a useful quality-to-cost balance, although it does not retain the original product’s vitamin b6 and biotin coverage.</p>
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Biotin and contribution to normal energy-yielding metabolism: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusMetabolism Boost forBiotin
  2. Pregnancy and lactation alter biomarkers of biotin metabolism in women consuming a controlled diet.
    Perry CA; West AA; Gayle A; Lucas LK; Yan J; Jiang X; Malysheva O; Caudill MA · The Journal of nutrition · 2015
    Clinical trial75 participantsMetabolism Boost forBiotin
  3. Physicochemical properties of and volatile compounds in riboflavin fortified cloudy apple juice; study of its effect on job fatigue among Egyptian construction workers.
    Fouad S; Ibrahim GE; Hussein AMS; Ibrahim FA; El Gendy A · Heliyon · 2021
    Non-randomized trialEnergy forRiboflavin
  4. Vitamin B status in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
    Heap LC; Peters TJ; Wessely S · Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine · 1999
    Case-control study30 participantsEnergy forRiboflavin
  5. B-vitamins, related vitamers, and metabolites in patients with quiescent inflammatory bowel disease and chronic fatigue treated with high dose oral thiamine.
    Bager P; Hvas CL; Hansen MM; Ueland P; Dahlerup JF · Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.) · 2023
    Observational studyEnergy forRiboflavin
  6. Metabolic features of chronic fatigue syndrome.
    Naviaux RK; Naviaux JC; Li K; Bright AT; Alaynick WA; Wang L; Baxter A; Nathan N; Anderson W; Gordon E · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · 2024
    Case-control study84 participantsEnergy forRiboflavin
  7. Effectiveness of Riboflavin in Inherited Metabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review
    Bregje Jaeger, Nina N Stolwijk, Femke Aaldering, Charlotte A Ruys, Marije Smits, Nicole I Wolf, Carla E M Hollak, Annet M Bosch · Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease · 2026
    Systematic review381 studies pooledEnergy Metabolism Boost forRiboflavin
  8. Influence of thiamin supplementation on the health and general well-being of an elderly Irish population with marginal thiamin deficiency.
    Smidt LJ; Cremin FM; Grivetti LE; Clifford AJ · Journal of gerontology · 1991
    Randomized trial80 participantsEnergy forThiamin
  9. Randomised clinical trial: high-dose oral thiamine versus placebo for chronic fatigue in patients with quiescent inflammatory bowel disease.
    Bager P; Hvas CL; Rud CL; Dahlerup JF · Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics · 2021
    Randomized trial40 participantsEnergy forThiamin
  10. Dietary reference values for thiamin.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA); Turck D; Bresson JL; Burlingame B; Dean T; Fairweather-Tait S; Heinonen M; Hirsch-Ernst KI; Mangelsdorf I; McArdle HJ; Naska A; Nowicka G; Pentieva K; Sanz Y; Siani A; Sjödin A; Stern M; Tomé D; Van Loveren H; Vinceti M; Willatts P; Lamberg-Allardt C; Przyrembel H; Tetens I; Gudelj Rakic J; Ioannidou S; de Sesmaisons-Lecarré A; Forss AC; Neuhäuser-Berthold M · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusEnergy forThiamin
  11. Effects of thiamine supplementation on exercise-induced fatigue.
    Suzuki M; Itokawa Y · Metabolic brain disease · 1996
    Randomized trial16 participantsEnergy forThiamin
  12. Long-term maintenance treatment with 300 mg thiamine for fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: results from an open-label extension of the TARIF study.
    Bager P; Hvas CL; Rud CL; Dahlerup JF · Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology · 2022
    Randomized trialEnergy forThiamin
  13. Disorders of flavin adenine dinucleotide metabolism: MADD and related deficiencies.
    Mereis M; Wanders RJA; Schoonen M; Dercksen M; Smuts I; van der Westhuizen FH · The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology · 2024
    Systematic reviewMetabolism Boost forRiboflavin
  14. Anaemia during pregnancy: could riboflavin deficiency be implicated?
    Duffy B; McNulty H; Ward M; Pentieva K · The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society · 2026
    Narrative reviewMetabolism Boost forRiboflavin
  15. Effects of riboflavin and folic acid supplementation on plasma homocysteine levels in healthy subjects.
    Chuang CZ; Boyles A; Legardeur B; Su J; Japa S; Lopez-S A · The American journal of the medical sciences · 2006
    Non-randomized trial34 participantsMetabolism Boost forRiboflavin
  16. Riboflavin and riboflavin-derived cofactors in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa.
    Capo-chichi CD; Guéant JL; Lefebvre E; Bennani N; Lorentz E; Vidailhet C; Vidailhet M · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1999
    Clinical trial34 participantsMetabolism Boost forRiboflavin
  17. Plasma vitamin B6 vitamers before and after oral vitamin B6 treatment: a randomized placebo-controlled study.
    Bor MV; Refsum H; Bisp MR; Bleie Ø; Schneede J; Nordrehaug JE; Ueland PM; Nygard OK; Nexø E · Clinical chemistry · 2003
    Randomized trial90 participantsMetabolism Boost forVitamin B6
  18. Dietary one-carbon metabolism nutrients and risk of MASLD progression: a prospective cohort study.
    Shen L; Wang K; Li R; Li Y; Guo Y; Li F; Yuan J; Yang Z; Xia B; Lin X · European journal of clinical nutrition · 2026
    Cohort study46,800 participantsMetabolism Boost forVitamin B6
  19. Associations of Vitamin B6 Intake and Plasma Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate with Plasma Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in US Older Adults: Findings from NHANES 2003-2004.
    Kim H; Enrione EB; Narayanan V; Li T; Campa A · Nutrients · 2022
    Cross-sectional study461 participantsMetabolism Boost forVitamin B6
  20. Influence of oral contraceptives, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and tryptophan on carbohydrate metabolism.
    Adams PW; Wynn V; Folkard J; Seed M · Lancet (London, England) · 1976
    Clinical trial46 participantsMetabolism Boost forVitamin B6
  21. Effect of oral contraceptives and vitamin B6 deficiency on carbohydrate metabolism.
    Rose DP; Leklem JE; Brown RR; Linkswiler HM · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1975
    Clinical trialMetabolism Boost forVitamin B6