Which is Better B12 or B Complex?

We are all aware of how important it is to supplement vitamins into your daily routine. There are some vitamins however that are a little more confusing than others, vitamin B for example is the main culprit of confusion. Understandably so, as vitamin B complex are made up of 8 B vitamins in total, including B12.

I can already hear some of you thinking, what is vitamin B good for anyway? Allow me to run through some of the main benefits of introducing vitamin B supplements into your daily routine.

The main benefits of vitamin B

• Vitamin B contributes to your daily energy levels
• Vitamin B can support brain function
• Vitamin B is most known for helping with cell metabolism, which is the chemical reaction that occurs in living cells
• Vitamin B can combat feelings of tiredness and fatigue
• Vitamin B can reduce depression
• Vitamin B helps to counteract signs of poor appetite

As I have already mentioned, there are 8 types of vitamin B found in the vitamin B complex, here are the full description of them below.

Types of vitamins found in vitamin B complex

1. Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is stored in the liver and helps support growth and function of cells.
2. Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, helps to maintain normal levels of homocysteine, which is an amino acid in the blood.
3. Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is an essential compound used for human nutrition.
4. Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is something that animals and humans require to form the fatty acids to help with metabolism.
5. Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is used by the body to metabolise amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates.
6. Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, most used to help restoring signs of hair loss and supports the skin to look and feel its best.
7. Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, normally suggested for expectant mothers during the early stages of pregnancy. It can build red blood cell formation and healthy cell growth.
8. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamins, plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells, cell metabolism and nerve function to name a few of its benefits.

All pretty remarkable wouldn’t you agree? Now that we have had a brief recap of what exactly are the vitamins found in vitamin B complex, let’s investigate further into finding out which is better, vitamin B12 or vitamin B complex.

Should I take B12 and B complex together?

Yes, you can take both vitamins together as there are no signs of them interfering with each other. Out of all the vitamin B types found in vitamin B complex, vitamin B12 is one that many have a deficiency from. This is because it is the only vitamin that cannot be found in plant sources.

This often leads to those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet are at risk of suffering from deficiency. To help counteract these concerns, you should keep a look out for cereals, energy bars and bread products that contain extra vitamin B12. As for other foods, you’ll find the following are rich in vitamin B12.

• Eggs
• Yoghurt
• Chicken
• Red meat
• Liver
• Fish
• Milk
• Turkey

Regarding natural sources of other types of vitamin B (not including vitamin B12), you can find those in the following.

• Fresh fruit
• Whole grains
• Green leafy vegetables
• Root vegetables
• Nuts
• Peppers

As you can see, there are no signs of vitamin B12 and vitamin B complex counteracting each other, and so are both perfectly safe to take together.

Can you take both B12 and B complex together?

Yes, you can, as I have explained in the previous section, there is no evidence of B12 and B complex having a negative impact on each other. You’ll find that once you have introduced a vitamin b complex to your routine your mood and energy are improved as well as your immune system. If you find yourself suffering from a constant cold, feeling run down or have recently lost a lot of unplanned weight, consult with a doctor or medical professional. It is important to not self-diagnose and instead seek the advice of a GP before trying any new supplements. 

Does B complex have B12 in it?

Yes, it does, you would have seen at the beginning of this blog post a full list of the vitamins found in B complex. Generally speaking, all eight B vitamins are found in the complex, but it is still important you check the packaging to determine the product contains the specific vitamin B you are wanting to take. You will also find all types of B vitamins are found as individual products, we will now discuss whether it is better to take B complex or individual B vitamins in the next section.

Is it better to take B complex or individual B vitamins?

This is down to your own personal preferences as there are some B vitamins that can successfully be taken individually. These are vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, vitamin B7, which many know as biotin, and vitamin B12. If it is those specific vitamins you are wanting to introduce into your daily routine and diet, it is best to take them alone or in a B complex that contains high levels of them in its formula.

What is B complex with B12 good for?

There are many benefits for taking B complex, especially if it includes vitamin B12. This is because vitamin B12 is the most B vitamin many will be lacking as it is not found in plant sources, but instead animal and meat sources. Taking B complex with B12 will ensure the body gets the vital building blocks it needs to remain healthy and balanced. As I have mentioned previously, those with a vegan or vegetarian diet will have a higher chance of having a deficiency in B12 due to the lack of red meat, eggs, and milk in their diet.

What is the best form of vitamin B12 to take?

Methylcobalamin, is the best form of vitamin B12 to take. This is because it is the most bio-available type of vitamin B12 as it is the quickest to absorb into the body easily. You will find there are high levels of methylcobalamin in animal produce, milk, eggs, and yogurt which is regularly found in many people’s diet. You will also find it enriched into cereals, and breads ensuring there are plenty of options available to include this form of B12 into your diet easily.

So, there you have a little more detail about finding out which is better, vitamin B12 and B complex. Don’t forget if you have any further questions, come, and follow us on Instagram. You’ll find one of our experts in the direct messages.