Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that B vitamin supplementation is associated with slowing of cognitive decline, especially in populations who received early intervention and intervention of long duration; the study also indicates that higher intake of dietary folate, but not B12 or B6, is associated with a reduced risk of incident dementia in non-dementia aged population. Given the prevalence of dementia cases in many countries with aging populations, public health policies should be introduced to ensure that subgroups of the population at risk have an adequate B vitamin status.
PubMed 34432056 ↗B Complex
People mainly take B Complex for energy, mood, focus. Based on 215 first-hand reports and 246 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #81 of 1,974 overall.
Of reports that state an outcome, 68% are positive.
What B Complex does, according to users
Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.
5 more with fewer than 3 reports
What the research says
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.
3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.
Conclusion: PN is associated with lowered plasma vitamin B12 and elevated methylmalonic acid and homocysteine. Overall, interventional studies have suggested that B-vitamins could improve symptoms of PN. Available trials have limitations and generally did not investigate vitamin status prior to treatment. Well-designed studies, especially in non-diabetes PN, are needed. This meta-analysis is registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42020144917).
PubMed 33619867 ↗Conclusion: The review provides evidence for the benefit of B vitamin supplementation in healthy and at-risk populations for stress, but not for depressive symptoms or anxiety. B vitamin supplementation may particularly benefit populations who are at risk due to (1) poor nutrient status or (2) poor mood status.
PubMed 31527485 ↗Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review suggest that supplementation of B Complex vitamins, especially folic acid, may have a positive effect on delaying and preventing the risk of cognitive decline. Ascorbic acid and a high dose of vitamin E, when given separately, also showed positive effects on cognitive performance, but there is not sufficient evidence to support their use. The results of vitamin D supplementation trials are not conclusive in assessing the potential benefits that vitamin D might have on cognition.
PubMed 35268010 ↗Dosage people report
As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.
Reported side effects
How often each side effect came up across all reports.
What users say
Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.
“What about b complex or b vitamins in high doses? It's good to take them on empty stomach for better absorbtion”
“Daily intake of Vit C 1g , multivitamins, Fish oil 1g, Zinc and metals complex and B complex.”
“Swanson B Complex - healthier gut and methylation processes.”
“I have tried a lot of supplements including magnesium, potassium, fish oil, B-complex, B2 Riboflavin but no solution yet.”
“If you're limited to one supplement, I would definitely recommend a b-complex.”
Top discussions (5)
- The best supplements under $50 you have bought that significantly improved your health ↗
- Most life-changing supplement ↗
- Biggest change to improve your life ? recently made ↗
- 24M. Spent $350/month on supplements. Bloodwork showed half were actively hurting me. ↗
- Late 30s/early 40s - how to combat feeling 'drained' all the time? ↗
Other options for energy
User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate