Stackexpand_less
Analysisexpand_less
Please sign in to access analysis.
Profileexpand_less
Supplementsexpand_more
Instant Energy B12
NOW
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(977 ratings)
Folate 800 mcg
Vitamin B5 30 mg
Niacin 20 mg
Chromium 60 mcg
Creatine 250 mg
Score 75.0
A potent B-complex in a convenient packet, excellent for energy and mental well-being, but the creatine dose is too low for athletic benefits, and the B12 is excessively high.
Quantity: 75 Packet(s)Servings size: 1 Packet(s) (75 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Brain Health
Mood Support
Heart Health
Skin Health
leaderboard Score 75.0
A potent B-complex in a convenient packet, excellent for energy and mental well-being, but the creatine dose is too low for athletic benefits, and the B12 is excessively high.
NOW Instant Energy B12 is formulated as a convenient powdered supplement, primarily delivering a high-potency B-complex with added creatine and chromium. The B vitamins, including several forms of B12 (Methylcobalamin, Dibencozide, Cyanocobalamin totaling 12mg), folate (1600mcg), niacin (40mg), and others (B1, B2, B5, B6), are well-known for their roles in energy production, neurological function, and mood regulation. This makes the product potentially effective for goals like "Energy," "Brain Health," "Mood Support," and "Stress Relief." The inclusion of chromium picolinate (120mcg) contributes to "Metabolism Boost" by potentially aiding in blood sugar regulation. However, the creatine monohydrate dose of 500mg is significantly below the commonly recommended 3-5g for "Muscle Gain" and "Fitness" benefits, rendering it largely ineffective for these specific goals. While the B12 dose is very high and generally safe, much of it may be excreted, and smaller, consistent doses might be sufficient for most individuals. The packet form is a notable convenience for portability and ease of use.
- Comprehensive B-vitamin complex, supporting multiple body functions.
- Contains three forms of Vitamin B12 for broad spectrum B12 support.
- Convenient individual packet form, ideal for on-the-go use.
- Good for general energy and mental clarity, as supported by many online reviews.
- Creatine dose (500mg) is substantially lower than the effective range (3-5g) required for significant muscle gain or performance enhancement.
- The total Vitamin B12 dose (12mg) is extremely high and largely unnecessary for most individuals without severe deficiency, leading to potential waste.
- Price per serving is relatively high considering the low effective dose of creatine and the common availability of cheaper B-complexes.
- Individuals should be aware of the very high B12 dose; while water-soluble and generally safe, it's far beyond the Recommended Daily Allowance.
- Creatine can cause water retention or mild gastrointestinal upset in some individuals, even at lower doses.
$11.49($0.15 per serving)
 Daily Vita | $ 11.60 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 11.89 | |
 iHerb | $ 12.24 | |
 Vitacost | $ 11.49 |
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Thiamine (Thiamine Hydrochloride) | 1.5 mg |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 1.7 mg |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide) | 20 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) | 2 mg |
| Folate | 800 mcg |
| Vitamin B-12 (Methylcobalamin, Dibencozide, Cyanocobalamin) | 2 mg |
| Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5, Calcium Pantothenate) | 30 mg |
| Chromium (Chromium Picolinate) | 60 mcg |
| Creatine Monohydrate | 250 mg |
Categories
Folate 85.0
With 1600mcg of Folate, the product provides a robust dose important for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formation, exceeding the typical daily recommendations for comprehensive support.
Vitamin B5 75.0
The 60mg of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) supports energy production and adrenal function, a good therapeutic dose for various metabolic and stress-related benefits.
Niacin 70.0
The product contains 40mg of Niacin (Vitamin B3/Niacinamide), which contributes to energy metabolism and cell function, providing a beneficial but not exceptionally high dose compared to dedicated Niacin supplements.
Goals
Energy 85.0
The product contains a comprehensive blend of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12) which are essential cofactors in energy metabolism, effectively supporting the body's natural energy production pathways.
Brain Health 80.0
Key B vitamins like B12, Folate, and B6 are vital for neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve function, which directly support cognitive processes, memory, and overall brain health.
General Health 75.0
Providing a wide array of B vitamins at significant doses contributes to overall well-being by supporting nervous system function, cellular health, and various enzymatic reactions crucial for maintaining general physiological balance.
Recommended Alternatives
78 Value 
B-50 Complex
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(8446 ratings)
Offering a balanced B-50 complex at only 8 cents per serving, this product provides a similar comprehensive B-vitamin profile to the original for energy, metabolism, and nervous system support, delivering excellent value for money.
82 Value 
B-50
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(4265 ratings)
From the same reputable brand, this B-50 complex delivers a full spectrum of B vitamins at effective doses for general health and energy for 10 cents per serving, offering a more balanced and cost-effective B-vitamin solution than the original product's specific blend.
85 Value 
High Potency Vitamin B Complex
Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.5
★★★★★
(5973 ratings)
While slightly higher at 29 cents per serving, this complex provides a significantly higher potency of B vitamins, including active forms (Methylcobalamin, Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate, L-Methylfolate), offering enhanced efficacy for energy and neurological support, representing strong value for its boosted nutrient profile.
95 Performance 
Max B-ND
Premier Research Labs
4.7
★★★★★
(191 ratings)
This product features highly bioavailable and active forms of B vitamins (e.g., methylcobalamin, P-5-P, 5-formyltetrahydrofolate) which are more readily utilized by the body, offering superior efficacy for energy, brain health, and metabolism compared to the original blend.
93 Performance 
Advanced Nutrients
Thorne
4.6
★★★★★
(851 ratings)
Thorne is renowned for high-quality, pure ingredients. This product is a comprehensive multivitamin that provides excellent doses and forms of B vitamins, alongside a broad spectrum of other essential nutrients, offering a more holistic and premium approach to general health and energy.
88 Performance 
B-Complex
Paradise Earth's Blend
4.7
★★★★★
(4459 ratings)
This B-complex stands out by offering active forms of B vitamins (e.g., Methylcobalamin, P-5-P, L-Methylfolate) for enhanced absorption, combined with adaptogenic herbs and superfoods, providing superior support for energy and stress response compared to the original formulation.
80 Budget 
B Complex
Sundown
4.7
★★★★★
(18319 ratings)
This B-complex offers comprehensive B vitamin support at a significantly lower price per serving (4 cents) than the original product, making it a highly cost-effective option for general energy and metabolism support.
78 Budget 
One Daily Essential
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(2955 ratings)
As a general multivitamin including various B vitamins, this product provides broad nutritional support for only 4 cents per serving, representing a much cheaper alternative for overall health and energy compared to the specific B12 blend.
77 Budget 
Sentry Adults
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(23601 ratings)
This multivitamin offers a good array of B vitamins and essential minerals for general health and energy at a very affordable 4 cents per serving, providing similar benefits to the original product's B-complex component at a fraction of the cost.
78 Value
B-50 Complex
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(8446 ratings)
Offering a balanced B-50 complex at only 8 cents per serving, this product provides a similar comprehensive B-vitamin profile to the original for energy, metabolism, and nervous system support, delivering excellent value for money.
82 Value
B-50
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(4265 ratings)
From the same reputable brand, this B-50 complex delivers a full spectrum of B vitamins at effective doses for general health and energy for 10 cents per serving, offering a more balanced and cost-effective B-vitamin solution than the original product's specific blend.
85 Value
High Potency Vitamin B Complex
Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.5
★★★★★
(5973 ratings)
While slightly higher at 29 cents per serving, this complex provides a significantly higher potency of B vitamins, including active forms (Methylcobalamin, Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate, L-Methylfolate), offering enhanced efficacy for energy and neurological support, representing strong value for its boosted nutrient profile.
95 Performance
Max B-ND
Premier Research Labs
4.7
★★★★★
(191 ratings)
This product features highly bioavailable and active forms of B vitamins (e.g., methylcobalamin, P-5-P, 5-formyltetrahydrofolate) which are more readily utilized by the body, offering superior efficacy for energy, brain health, and metabolism compared to the original blend.
93 Performance
Advanced Nutrients
Thorne
4.6
★★★★★
(851 ratings)
Thorne is renowned for high-quality, pure ingredients. This product is a comprehensive multivitamin that provides excellent doses and forms of B vitamins, alongside a broad spectrum of other essential nutrients, offering a more holistic and premium approach to general health and energy.
88 Performance
B-Complex
Paradise Earth's Blend
4.7
★★★★★
(4459 ratings)
This B-complex stands out by offering active forms of B vitamins (e.g., Methylcobalamin, P-5-P, L-Methylfolate) for enhanced absorption, combined with adaptogenic herbs and superfoods, providing superior support for energy and stress response compared to the original formulation.