10 Best Vitamin B Supplements in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pharmacist

Robi began his career in Watsons Philippines as the Senior Pharmacist in SM Mall of Asia Entertainment Mall branch. His experience as a Dispensing Pharmacist enabled him to become an expert in Community Pharmacy practice and the overall Retail Pharmacy operations.

Currently, he is the Regulatory Affairs Senior Assistant Manager of Unilever Philippines. His knowledge about pharmacy and related regulations enables him to provide and share relevant information about regulated products such as food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices to consumers.

Here are the recommendations carefully curated by the mybest team. Read the products' descriptions and information table to make sure you get the right product for you!

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.

We have more product recommendations in store for you! Listed in no particular order, here are seven more of our recommended products carefully chosen by the mybest team.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Tablet or capsule: select your preferred intake form.
2. Know about the different types of B vitamins in order to get the right one for your condition.
3. Choose between natural and synthetic supplements.
4. Check the daily recommended intake based on your age.
5. To be on the safe side, ensure that the vitamin B supplements are NSF or USP-Certified.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.

Different vitamin B supplement brands come in either a tablet or capsule form. While both have their advantages, the best one for you ultimately depends on your lifestyle.

Tablets are pills made by compressing powdered ingredients together. They're the most common type of pill and are inexpensive, considering they hold a high dosage of nutrients. They also have a longer shelf life, making them easy to stock and store.

However, some people don't like tablets since they tend to leave an unpleasant aftertaste after swallowing them, since some products don't have coatings to mask the taste of the powder. They're more likely to cause irritation in the stomach, too, so keep that in mind if you have a sensitive gut.

Capsules are medication that is enclosed by an outer shell. This means that it doesn't leave any bad aftertastes, plus, it's more easily broken down in the stomach. This allows the nutrients to be distributed more quickly, making it more fast-acting compared to tablets.

Some disadvantages that you should consider before buying them, though, is that they tend to be more expensive but have a shorter shelf life. They cost more to manufacture yet expire more easily, so it may not be a good idea to stock a lot of capsule-type supplements for a long time.

B vitamins are important in energy production, so taking them is highly beneficial, especially if you are stressed, have unhealthy dietary practices, or have a demanding job. Some vitamin B supplements don’t come with all eight B vitamins, though, so it’s important to understand what each of them is for.

Do you constantly feel tired because of stress or work? You might want to take vitamin B1. Vitamin B1 or thiamine converts excess carbohydrates into energy to help you recover from fatigue or exhaustion. The human body does not produce thiamine, so you need to eat thiamine-rich food or take supplements.

Vitamin B1 is also necessary for keeping the nervous system functioning properly. Lack of thiamine can lead to fatigue, loss of appetite, or worse, beriberi.  However, note that taking thiamine in high doses may cause drowsiness and muscle relaxation.

Vitamin B2 also acts as an antioxidant, which helps prevent cancer and cholesterol build-up by controlling harmful molecules called free radicals. Lack of riboflavin can cause weakness, dermatitis, and anemia. Male adults are recommended to take 1.3 mg of vitamin B2, while women are recommended to take 1.1 mg daily.

Male and female adults are recommended to have a daily intake of 5 mg of vitamin B5. Vitamin B5 deficiency is rare, but it can cause numbness, fatigue, and insomnia.

On the other hand, vitamin B6 deficiency can cause nerve damage and cervical dysplasia, while too much vitamin B6 in the body can also be dangerous, since it can cause oversensitivity to sunlight, nausea, and vomiting. 

Biotin also works well in strengthening the nails. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who is experiencing damaged or cracked nails. The recommended daily intake of biotin for adults is 30 mcg. Lack of vitamin B7 can cause serious complications like diseases in the intestinal tract, skin, and nervous system.

When you put vitamin B9 and B12 together, you’ll get the right combination for the formation of erythrocytes. These compounds are known as the “vitamins of hematopoiesis.” Their unique properties help prevent malignant anemia. They help produce red blood cells and promote lactation for women.

This is why adults and lactating mothers are recommended to take 400 mcg daily. Be careful since vitamin B9 deficiency is linked to birth defects, pregnancy loss, and depression. Meanwhile, for the right dosage of vitamin B12, the recommended daily intake should be 2.4 mcg.

Vitamin B supplements can be natural or synthetic. Even though you can get vitamins and minerals from food, sometimes, they are not enough. Both natural and synthetic supplements have their own characteristics and knowing them will help you know which is the best to take.

Natural supplements are made with concentrated, dried food or plant materials. They provide lower doses compared to synthetic supplements, but are ideal to take for everyday wellness if you are not suffering from any illnesses or deficiencies. These supplements are generally safe to consume and do not cause harm to your body.

However, it is still important to check the ingredients, especially if you are allergic to certain food items to make sure that these supplements are safe for you. Nutrient-rich extracts are used to make them, so they tend to be more expensive than synthetic ones.

Synthetic is not always bad, especially when it comes to dietary supplements. You can get vitamins and minerals from eating food, but they do not always provide the recommended amount that people need. Synthetic supplements are said to be able to treat vitamin B deficiencies because they have high doses.

They are called isolated or simulated nutrients and are usually non-organic. If you are suffering from illnesses because of a lack of vitamin intake, synthetic supplements can help you heal, replenish energy, and recover. They are also cheaper than natural supplements and are easily available.

To get the best results, make sure that you're getting the daily recommended vitamin B complex intake. Check it out here:

• B1: 1.2 mg for males, 1.1 mg for females, and 1.4 mg for pregnant and breastfeeding women
• B2: 1.3 mg for males, 1.1 mg for females, and 1.4-1.6 mg for pregnant and breastfeeding women
• B3: 16 mg for males, 14 mg for females, and 17-18 mg for pregnant and breastfeeding women
• B5: 5 mg for males, 5 mg for females, and 6-7 mg for pregnant and breastfeeding women
• B6: 1.3 mg for males, 1.5 mg for females, and 1.9-2.0 mg for pregnant and breastfeeding women
• B7: 30 mcg for males, 30 mcg for females, and 30-35 mcg for pregnant and breastfeeding women
• B9: 400 mcg for males, 400 mcg for females, and 500-600 mcg for pregnant and breastfeeding women
• B12: 2.4 mcg for males, 2.4 mg for females, and 2.6-2.8 mg for pregnant and breastfeeding women

For older adults aged 65 or older, you may consider getting supplements with more vitamin B12 and vitamin B9 for better neurological health and decreased risk for depression.

GMP or "Good Manufacturing Practice" is a system that manufacturers strictly comply with so that products are consistently manufactured and controlled according to quality standards, ensuring the quality and safety of these products fit for human consumption. It covers all stages of manufacturing.

NSF stands for the National Sanitation Foundation, which ensures that supplements are safe and that there are no unlisted ingredients or harmful levels of impurities that can be found in the product. Meanwhile, USP stands for the United States Pharmacopeia, which makes sure that the vitamins dissolve properly and are not harmful.

Checking if your supplements are NSF, USP-certified, or follow GMP is an extra step to ensure that they're safe to take and that they will truly benefit you and your health. To do this, you can check the product description or search for the products online.

To maximize a supplement’s efficiency and to avoid side effects, you will need to take vitamin B supplements properly.

If you have a regular workout routine, it’s ideal to have a meal just after the training session. When you add vitamin B supplements to your daily routine, you can get better protein synthesis and absorb more amino acids into your system. These properties help you gain more energy, enhance muscle strength, and increase your overall endurance.

Remember, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. Although rare, it is possible to overdose on vitamin B. Most of the compounds found in vitamin B supplements are water-soluble. Any unwanted residue or byproducts are discharged with urine, making overdosing difficult but not worth risking.

Pay attention to your intake of vitamin B6, folic acid, and niacin. Consuming more than the recommended dosage of these three can cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and some skin problems. Check the recommended daily intake that is appropriate for you to prevent overdose.

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by John Robinson Uy, RPh, MBA.

Vitamin B can be taken daily. However, it is best to consult with your medical provider to understand better what your body needs and lacks.

It is recommended to take B vitamins in the morning, preferably with a meal, to maximize their absorption. You can also look at the directions on how and when to take the supplement, written on the packaging of the product.

According to studies, B vitamins at doses below their toxicity threshold strongly promote body fat gain. It is best to consult with your medical provider, especially those with pre-existing conditions affecting cholesterol levels.

Having a healthy body and mind is of utmost importance, so that you can continue with your daily life and live it to the fullest! Check out our other product recommendations and buying guides below for more supplements that can aid your health.

Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.