Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
B-Complex and Thiamine are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Vitamin
Vitamin
1 capsule daily (per label)
Morning with breakfast
Methylated B-complex (methylcobalamin, methylfolate)
50-100mg daily; 150-600mg benfotiamine for neuropathy
With food, Morning with other B vitamins
Benfotiamine (fat-soluble, higher bioavailability)
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
Immediate
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-12 weeks
Dosage exploration of combined B-vitamin supplementation in stroke prevention: a meta-analysis and systematic review
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2024) · Meta analysis · n=76664
In areas without and with partial folic acid fortification, combined B-vitamin supplementation significantly reduced the risk of stroke by 34% [RR: 0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50, 0.86] and 11% (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.00), respectively.
A Comparative Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of Folate-Based B Vitamin Intervention on Cognitive Function of Older Adults under Mandatory Folic Acid Fortification Policy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=42768
The meta-analysis on the effects of folate-based B vitamin supplementation on cognitive function showed a significant overall impact (Z = 3.84; p = 0.0001; SMD, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09, 0.28).
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of B Vitamin Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Stress: Effects on Healthy and 'At-Risk' Individuals
Nutrients (2019) · Meta analysis · n=2015
Regarding individual facets of mood, B vitamin supplementation benefited stress (n = 958, SMD = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.45, p = 0.03).
Dietary supplements for dysmenorrhoea
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2016) · Meta analysis · n=3101
Supplements versus other supplementsThere was no evidence of a difference in effectiveness between ginger and zinc sulphate (MD 0.02 points, 95% CI -0.58 to 0.62; one RCT, 101 women).
Efficacy and safety of fedratinib in patients with myelofibrosis previously treated with ruxolitinib (FREEDOM2): results from a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial
The Lancet. Haematology (2024) · Rct · n=316
Clinical trial examining Thiamine efficacy
Effect of intravenous thiamine administration on critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (2024) · Meta analysis · n=3494
Conversely, thiamine administration resulted in a slight increase in the length of ICU stay (MD, 0.40 days; 95% CI, 0.01-0.79 days; High CoE).
Both B-Complex and Thiamine are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For boost daily energy, B-Complex has a higher relevance score (80 vs 65).
No known interactions between B-Complex and Thiamine have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.