Vitamin B complex capsules – all 8 B vitamins, 60 capsules

The EU has authorised health claims for each of the eight B vitamins. They apply when a daily portion provides at least 15 % of the reference value; one capsule provides considerably more for all eight vitamins. The main claims:

• Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and biotin contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
• Riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and biotin contribute to normal functioning of the nervous system.
• Thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, biotin and folate contribute to normal psychological function.
• Vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
• Vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate contribute to normal homocysteine metabolism.
• Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance.
• Riboflavin, niacin and biotin contribute to the maintenance of normal skin.
• Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

Other statements, for example about nerve pain, stress or performance, are not authorised for foods.

According to the label, one capsule contains:

• Niacin 150 mg (938 % NRV)
• Pantothenic acid 55 mg (917 % NRV)
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2) 15 mg (1,071 % NRV)
• Thiamin (vitamin B1) 13.4 mg (1,218 % NRV)
• Vitamin B6 12.3 mg (879 % NRV)
• Biotin 600 µg (1,200 % NRV)
• Folic acid 600 µg (300 % NRV)
• Vitamin B12 30 µg (1,200 % NRV)

NRV is the nutrient reference value for daily intake. Several values are above the maximum amounts that the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) proposes for food supplements; more on this under "Intake and safety".

The German Nutrition Society (DGE) gives an estimated value of 4 µg vitamin B12 per day for adults. For vitamin B6, the DGE gives 1.4 to 1.6 mg per day depending on age and sex. This refers to total intake from foods and supplements.

Vitamin B12 is found almost only in animal foods. According to the DGE, people on a vegan diet need a reliable B12 source, usually a supplement.

The label says: one capsule a day with plenty of liquid. There is no time of day at which B vitamins have been shown to work better. Many people take the capsule with a meal because it is easier on the stomach. If capsules are hard to swallow, you can open one and stir the contents into water.

It is normal for urine to turn bright yellow after taking it. This is due to riboflavin, which the body excretes.

For some of them, yes. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) proposes maximum amounts per daily portion for food supplements: 3.5 mg vitamin B6, 200 µg folic acid and 25 µg vitamin B12. One capsule of this product, with 12.3 mg vitamin B6, 600 µg folic acid and 30 µg vitamin B12, is above these three values. For thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and biotin, the BfR proposes no maximum amount; for niacin in the form of nicotinamide it proposes 160 mg.

Long-term high intake of vitamin B6 can damage nerves; typical signs are tingling or numbness in the hands and feet (PubMed 33912895). In 2023, EFSA set a tolerable upper intake level for adults of 12 mg vitamin B6 per day from all sources. If you notice such symptoms, stop taking the product and have it assessed by a doctor. Whether supplementing makes sense for you, and for how long, is something you discuss with the ORY expert team or with your doctor or naturopath.

Yes. Many lab methods use biotin as an auxiliary substance. Larger amounts of biotin in the blood can therefore distort results, for example thyroid values or cardiac markers, either upwards or downwards (PubMed 31023057).

The BfR therefore recommends: if you take biotin and have a blood test coming up, tell your doctor or the lab. One capsule contains 600 µg biotin.

For food supplements with more than 16 mg nicotinamide per day, the BfR recommends a note that pregnant women should not take them. One capsule contains 150 mg niacin.

High amounts of folic acid can hide vitamin B12 deficiency in a blood count (PubMed 38987872). Vitamin B6 can weaken the effect of levodopa when it is given without a decarboxylase inhibitor; folic acid can interact with methotrexate and some anti-epileptic medicines. If you take medicines or are breastfeeding, talk with the ORY expert team or with your doctor or naturopath beforehand; you can also ask at your pharmacy.

The claim that certain B vitamins contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue is authorised. It describes a normal body function, not a treatment. A meta-analysis found no effect of vitamin B12 alone, or combined with folic acid and B6, on memory or mood in people without proven B12 deficiency; there was only a single study on tiredness (PubMed 33809274).

Persistent tiredness has many possible causes, for example iron deficiency, thyroid disease or sleep disorders. If it lasts for weeks, it should be assessed by a doctor.

The usual serum B12 value has only limited meaning; cut-off values are disputed. Borderline values are interpreted with further markers such as holotranscobalamin or methylmalonic acid (PubMed 24942828).

At ORY, the Vitamincheck Basis measures vitamin B12 and folic acid, plus vitamin D, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10. What a value means for you is something you discuss with the ORY expert team or with your doctor or naturopath.

The tub contains 60 capsules of 483 mg each, net quantity 28 g. Each capsule contains all eight B vitamins; the capsule shell is made of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. According to the manufacturer, there are no artificial colourings or additives.

At one capsule a day, the tub lasts about two months. The unit price is €87.50 per 100 g.