B Complex

Bioactive B-Complex with Methylfolate and Methylcobalamin

A once-daily vegan capsule containing all eight B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12), each at about 100% of the daily requirement for an adult. Key vitamins are in active forms that the body can use without first converting them: folate as Quatrefolic® 5-MTHF (methylfolate), vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin, vitamin B6 as pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (P5P) and vitamin B2 as riboflavin-5′-phosphate. It also contains choline, inositol, betaine (TMG) and vitamin C.

What is in one capsule

% RDA as per ICMR guidelines for an average adult. Other ingredients: sustained-release nutrient-coated beadlets, vegan cellulose capsule (hypromellose). No added colouring. 60 capsules per pack.

Why the form matters

• Methylfolate instead of folic acid: folic acid has to be converted by the body before it can be used. Methylfolate is the form of folate normally found in the blood. Studies show it is at least as effective as folic acid, and it may be less likely to hide the anaemia of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
• P5P instead of pyridoxine: P5P is the active form of vitamin B6. Pyridoxine, the form in most standard tablets, has been linked with tingling and numbness in the hands and feet at high doses.
• Methylcobalamin: a natural form of vitamin B12 that the body already uses. For most people, different forms of B12 work similarly. The form matters most for people whose absorption or conversion is reduced.

What B vitamins do

B vitamins support normal energy metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system and normal red blood cell formation.

Who may consider it

Adults who want a daily maintenance dose of all the B vitamins, for example people with low dietary intake such as strict vegetarians, or people with an ongoing reason for lower absorption such as long-term metformin or antacid (PPI) use. Because each vitamin is at about 100% of the daily requirement, this is a maintenance supplement, not a treatment for a diagnosed deficiency.

Before you start

• Get your vitamin B12 tested first. If your levels are normal and you have no risk factor, you may not need a supplement. If your levels are low, see a doctor, because a deficiency usually needs a higher dose.
• Talk to a doctor first if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, have kidney disease, are on cancer treatment or take regular medicines. Not intended for children unless a doctor advises it.
• Bright yellow urine is normal. It comes from vitamin B2.

How to use

One capsule a day in the morning, or as advised by your doctor. It may increase alertness, so avoid taking it close to bedtime. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Review with your doctor after about three months.

This is a food supplement, not a medicine. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.