Vitamins & minerals
B Vitamins & B-Complex
Names you may see: vitamin B B complex B1 B2 B3 B5 B6 B7 B9 B12
The quick take
The B-vitamin family contains eight vitamins with different roles. B-complex supplements combine several or all of them in one formula.
Meet the eight B vitamins
A closer look
What forms will I see on a label?
Read each vitamin and amount on the label. B-complex is a product category, not a single ingredient with a standard composition.
Why people use it
People choose B-complex supplements to cover gaps in B-vitamin intake and support normal energy metabolism. They are often associated with energy, but they do not supply calories.
These are common goals and marketing uses. The evidence section below explains what research supports.
What does the evidence tell us?
B vitamins support normal metabolism, but more is not automatically better. Individual needs depend on diet, life stage, absorption and health circumstances.
What should I know before using it?
Check combined amounts when using a multivitamin, B-complex and other fortified products together. Some B vitamins can cause problems at high supplemental intakes.
Sources & further reading
MedlinePlus ingredient information ↗
Content reviewed: September 30, 2026
General educational information. Follow the product label and seek individual advice when needed.