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Balance B-100 Complex High Potency

Swanson
4.8
(394 ratings)
Thiamin 100 mg
PABA 100 mg
Vitamin B5 100 mg
Vitamin B12 100 mcg
Riboflavin 100 mg
Choline 100 mg
Biotin 100 mcg
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Score 75.0

A high-potency B-complex with broad spectrum B vitamins and supportive co-factors, good for general energy and cognitive support. Its use of less bioavailable B12, B6, and Folate forms limits its effectiveness for some users compared to advanced formulas.

Quantity: 100 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (100 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Brain Health
Cognitive Support
Productivity Boost
Energy
Cardiovascular Support

Score 75.0

A high-potency B-complex with broad spectrum B vitamins and supportive co-factors, good for general energy and cognitive support. Its use of less bioavailable B12, B6, and Folate forms limits its effectiveness for some users compared to advanced formulas.

Quantity: 300
Analysis

The Swanson Balance B-100 Complex High Potency is formulated to provide a full spectrum of B vitamins at significant dosages, often 100mg or 100mcg per serving. This '100' potency makes it suitable for individuals seeking robust support for various metabolic functions, including energy production, nerve health, and stress response. The inclusion of Choline, Inositol, and PABA are beneficial additions often found in comprehensive B-complex formulas, contributing to overall health benefits beyond the core B vitamins. However, the formulation uses conventional forms of Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), and Folate (as Folate, likely Folic Acid). While these forms are effective for many, they are not ideal for individuals with specific genetic variations (like MTHFR) who may struggle to convert synthetic forms into their active counterparts. Nutritionists and online reviews often highlight the benefits of methylated B vitamins for superior absorption and utilization, placing products with these forms at a premium. The price point is reasonable for a 100-serving supply, offering good accessibility.

Pros
  • Provides a comprehensive blend of B vitamins at high potencies (100mg/mcg each), supporting multiple bodily functions.
  • Includes beneficial B-complex related nutrients like Choline, Inositol, and PABA for enhanced support.
  • Offers a good number of servings per bottle, providing a long-lasting supply.
Cons
  • Uses Cyanocobalamin as the form of Vitamin B12, which is a synthetic form and less bioavailable than methylcobalamin.
  • Contains Pyridoxine Hydrochloride for Vitamin B6, which is not the active P-5-P form and can accumulate in the body at very high doses over time.
  • Folate is not in its active L-methylfolate form, which may be less effective for individuals with MTHFR genetic variations.
Warnings
  • Individuals sensitive to high doses of B vitamins might experience a 'niacin flush' or other mild side effects, although Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated.
  • For prolonged high-dose use of Vitamin B6 as pyridoxine hydrochloride, there is a theoretical risk of peripheral neuropathy, although 100mcg is typically considered safe.
$17.89($0.17 per serving)
iHerb
$ 17.89
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Thiamine (Vitamin B1, Thiamine Hydrochloride) 100 mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 100 mg
Niacinamide 100 mg NE
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 100 mcg
Folate 665 mcg DFE
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 100 mcg
Biotin 100 mcg
Pantothenic Acid (D-Calcium Pantothenate) 100 mg
Choline Bitartrate 100 mg
Inositol 100 mg
PABA 100 mg
Adults 18–50
Categories
Thiamin 90.0
Contains a substantial 100mg of Thiamin (Vitamin B1) as Thiamine Hydrochloride, which is a well-absorbed and effective form for energy metabolism.
Riboflavin 90.0
Supplies 100mg of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), an excellent dose for its role in energy production and antioxidant support.
Vitamin B5 90.0
Offers a robust 100mg of Pantothenic Acid as D-Calcium Pantothenate, supporting energy metabolism and adrenal function.
Goals
Metabolism Boost 85.0
All B vitamins are directly involved in metabolic pathways that convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy, making this a strong product for general metabolism support.
Energy 80.0
B vitamins are crucial coenzymes in energy metabolism, converting food into usable energy. The comprehensive and high-potency nature of this complex provides ample support for energy levels.
Brain Health 75.0
B vitamins play vital roles in neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve function, essential for brain health, memory, and concentration. The inclusion of Choline and Inositol further supports cognitive processes.
80 Value

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B-Complex '100'

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Solgar is a highly regarded brand known for quality, and this B-100 complex offers comparable potencies to the Swanson product at a similar or slightly better price point, providing trusted quality for the investment.
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4.7
(4459 ratings)
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(1190 ratings)
This specific Swanson 'Activated' complex offers enhanced bioavailability with ingredients like Methylcobalamin for B12, Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate for B6, and L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate for Folate, making it a more effective choice for maximal nutrient absorption.
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(5973 ratings)
It provides active and readily usable forms of key B vitamins, including Methylcobalamin for B12, Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate for B6, and L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate for Folate, which are superior for direct utilization by the body.
80 Budget

B 100 Complex

Spring Valley
4.7
(396 ratings)
Offers similar high potencies of B vitamins at a significantly lower price per serving (9 vs 16), providing better affordability for a comparable B-100 complex.
70 Budget

B-50 Complex

21st Century
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(8446 ratings)
While a B-50 complex, it offers a broad range of B vitamins at an even lower price per serving, making it a more economical choice for those seeking general B vitamin support.
70 Budget

B-Complex plus Vitamin C

21st Century
4.7
(24336 ratings)
Provides a good spectrum of B vitamins along with Vitamin C at a significantly lower cost per serving, representing a more budget-friendly option for daily B vitamin intake.
80 Value

B 100 Complex

Spring Valley
4.7
(396 ratings)
While not using methylated forms, this alternative offers a complete B-100 complex at a significantly lower price per serving (9 vs 16), providing excellent general B vitamin support at a more accessible cost.
82 Value

B-50

NOW
4.7
(33178 ratings)
This NOW B-50 complex offers a well-rounded B vitamin profile from a reputable brand at a very competitive price per serving, providing a strong balance of quality and cost for general B vitamin needs.
85 Value

B-Complex '100'

Solgar
4.7
(15200 ratings)
Solgar is a highly regarded brand known for quality, and this B-100 complex offers comparable potencies to the Swanson product at a similar or slightly better price point, providing trusted quality for the investment.
90 Performance

B-Complex

Paradise Earth's Blend
4.7
(4459 ratings)
This alternative uses bioavailable forms like Methylcobalamin for B12 and L-Methylfolate for Folate, offering superior absorption and utilization compared to the synthetic forms in the Swanson product, which is especially important for those with MTHFR variations.
85 Performance

Activated B-Complex High Bioavailability

Swanson
4.9
(1190 ratings)
This specific Swanson 'Activated' complex offers enhanced bioavailability with ingredients like Methylcobalamin for B12, Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate for B6, and L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate for Folate, making it a more effective choice for maximal nutrient absorption.
88 Performance

High Potency Vitamin B Complex

Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.5
(5973 ratings)
It provides active and readily usable forms of key B vitamins, including Methylcobalamin for B12, Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate for B6, and L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate for Folate, which are superior for direct utilization by the body.