B-Complex Gold

General Questions about B Vitamins

What are B vitamins?

B vitamins are a set of nutrients that function as coenzymes, which means that they assist and allow enzymes to carry out their intended functions in the body.  There are eight B vitamins—Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6), Folate (B9), B-12, Biotin and Pantothenic Acid (B5).  While each B vitamin has its own unique role in the body, many of the B vitamins work synergistically with each other to support cellular energy, cardiovascular and cognitive functions, and healthy hair, skin, and nails.

What are some risk factors for a B vitamin deficiency?

Evidence from human research shows that a significant proportion of the populations of developed countries suffer from deficiencies or insufficiencies in one or more of this group of vitamins. Unfortunately, today’s over-reliance on refined and processed foods can provide a challenge to optimal B vitamin intake. Individuals that are at risk for B vitamin deficiency include alcoholics and those with gastrointestinal disorders such as persistent diarrhea, malabsorption syndromes, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  Pregnant women and senior citizens may also be at greater risk of deficiency. Strict vegetarians sometimes require B12 supplementation given that B12 is mainly found in animal products.

Are there any food sources of B vitamins?

The best way to obtain most essential B vitamins is to consume a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables (leafy greens), seeds/nuts, and whole grains. Active forms of vitamin B12, however, are mainly found in animal products and are generally not present in plant-based foods. Many people today simply do not meet the daily requirement for B vitamins, making supplementation often necessary to support optimal health.

What is the recommended dietary allowance for B vitamins?

Is there an established upper toxicity limit for B vitamins?

The Upper Tolerable Limit (UL), established by the Food and Nutrition Bard (FNB) of the Institute of Medicine, is considered to be the highest amount you can take of a nutrient without theoretical risk. Currently, the only B vitamins that have an established UL are Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6) and Folic acid.  The other five B vitamins do not have an established UL due to a lack of reports showing negative effects from high intake amounts.

*UL —The UL is not based on mcg DFE, but on mcg of synthetic folate, such as folic acid or methylfolate. There is no UL for natural folate. Consequently, if a product made with folic acid lists 1,000 mcg DFE, it only contains about 600 mcg of folic acid (which is far below the adult UL of 1,000 mcg of synthetic folate).

Can a B Complex supplement be taken with OTC or prescription medications?

If you are taking or planning to take an OTC or prescription medication, please consult a licensed pharmacist or your healthcare provider before beginning supplementation to minimize risk of side effects associated with potential supplement-drug interactions.

Still have questions?

• For general information about B Vitamins, check out the resources below—
• B Vitamins — Medline Plus
• Vitamins — Linus Pauling Institute
• B Vitamins — Harvard School of Public Health
• For specific guidance on the suitability of B vitamins to support your particular health goals, please talk to your healthcare provider

Questions about B Complex Gold

What are the sources of the B vitamins in B-Complex Gold?

B-Complex Gold is a gentle and nourishing form of plant-based B vitamins that are derived entirely from natural food sources (e.g. organic lemon peel, guava fruit, etc.) —they are not synthetic B vitamins fermented, grown or cultured in yeast or a blend of organic foods fortified with synthetic B vitamins and marketed as “whole-food” or “food-based” B-Complex. The only exception is vitamin B-12, which is synthetic and  produced by microbial fermentation of multiple species of propionibacterium. The full list of organic foods from which our B vitamins are derived is included in the ‘Organic Food Blend’ on the supplement facts panel and on the product page on our website.

How is B-Complex Gold different from other  B-Complex supplements?

The most important distinction between the different commercially-available B-Complex supplements, including B-Complex Gold, is the source of the B vitamins in the product—in other words, were the B vitamins made in a lab using chemicals or derived from a living food source? The vast majority of commercially available B-Complex supplements provide B vitamins that were created in a lab using chemicals. Except for the B12, all the other B vitamins in B-Complex Gold are derived entirely from natural food sources—no synthetic B vitamins are used at any point during the production process.

Regardless of what “else” may be in a B-Complex product (e.g. food powders, nutritional yeast) or how the product is marketed (e.g. whole-food, food-based, real food, raw food), almost all B-Complex supplements can be broadly categorized based on the source of the B vitamins in the product —

Categories 1 to 3 represent over 95% of B-Complex supplements that are currently available in the industry and include nutrients that have been synthesized using industrial chemicals and solvents. For example, synthetic vitamin B3 (niacin) is typically created in a lab using coal tar derivatives, 3-cyanopyridine, and ammonia.  Even though the products in Categories 2 and 3 may be marketed as “whole food,” “food based,” or some kind of food “derivative,” the fact remains that synthetic B vitamins are used at some point in the production process—either at the beginning as a starting material and/or to fortify the end product so it meets label claims. 

At NutriGold, we understand “synthetic” vitamins to be man-made vitamins that are created in a lab using industrial chemicals and “natural” vitamins to be vitamins that are extracted, concentrated, or otherwise derived from living food sources. The primary difference between man-made vitamins and natural vitamins is that man-made vitamins are created in a lab and are not always structurally similar to vitamins that occur in nature. Synthetic vitamin isolates do not always have the necessary cofactors for their proper utilization by the body; the body has to reconstruct the vitamins using its own reserve of cofactors, and this can, over time, lead to inadvertent nutrient depletion. Furthermore, synthetic vitamins can sometimes result in GI disturbances, nausea or a metallic aftertaste.

B-Complex Gold is made from non-GMO verified, organic foods. Other than B12, all of the B vitamins are derived from food and formulated as part of a food blend. The result is a form of plant-based nutrition that is gentle and easy-to-digest. When formulating our vitamin products, we mindfully choose organic foods as the starting material for our micronutrients. However, our vitamin B12 is an exception to this because there are no known biologically-active, plant sources of B12. B-Complex Gold provides vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin & adenosylcobalamin, both of which are synthetic and produced by microbial fermentation of multiple species of propionibacterium. 

In addition, B-Complex Gold is certified C.L.E.A.N., which is an acronym that stands for Conscious (or safe), Live (minimally processed and predominantly organic), Ethical (Non-GMO), Active (includes bioavailable enzymes as determined by CytoSolve technology), and Nourishing (as determined by the ANDI score).

What is the source of vitamin B9 in B-Complex Gold?

Given the confusion that exists over the use of the terms folic acid and folate when describing or marketing vitamin B9 supplements, we would like to begin by clarifying the difference between folate and folic acid as described in the scientific literature. Folic acid and folate are used interchangeably as they are both forms of vitamin B9, but there is an important difference. According to the American Pregnancy Association, folic acid is the synthesized version that is commonly used in processed foods and supplements; it is man-made and does not occur naturally in foods. Folate, on the other hand, can be found in whole foods such as leafy vegetables, eggs, and citrus fruits. The vitamin B9 in our product is from organic food sources (e.g. lemon peel extract, spinach). To eliminate confusion, we simply refer to this nutrient on our labels as "Vitamin B9 (from organic food blend)". No synthetic folic acid is added to our products at any point during the production of our finished product.

What are methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin?

Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are biologically active forms of vitamin B-12 in the human body. Our products feature both bioactive forms for broad-spectrum benefits. Overall, methylcobalamin supports cardiovascular function, neurological health, and emotional wellness. Adenosylcobalamin is found in cellular tissues where it is stored in the mitochondria and supports cellular energy production.

Are synthetic or lab-made nutrients used at any point during the production of B-Complex Gold?

Except for the B12, which is synthetic because a natural, vegan source is not commercially available, all of the other nutrients in our B Complex Gold product are derived from non-genetically modified, organic food sources. No other synthetic isolates are not used at any point during the production of B-Complex Gold.

Should B-Complex Gold be taken with food?

The micronutrients in B-Complex Gold are derived from organic foods and are gentle enough to be taken anytime, even on an empty stomach. However, as a matter of principle and in the interest of your health and safety, we encourage you to consult your healthcare provider prior to supplementation to determine what use, if any, is best for your individual needs.

Does the niacin in B-Complex Gold produce a flush?

Niacin (Vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin that is composed of niacin (or nicotinic acid) and niacinamide. Although niacin and niacinamide have similar functional benefits, their pharmacological properties differ. While niacin has vasodilating properties that can produce the characteristic "niacin" flush, niacinamide does not have this property and, therefore, does not produce flushing. The vitamin B3 in our B-Complex product is sourced from organic foods and provides both niacin and niacinamide. Although individual experiences can and do vary with any supplement, our B-Complex Gold is generally well-tolerated and reports of “flushing,” are less common than with synthetic niacin supplements.

Why does B Complex Gold provide 36 mcg of vitamin B12 per serving when only 2.4 mcg is the RDA for adults?

Customers are often directed to look for higher amounts of vitamin B12 because only about 1% is passively absorbed in the human body. So, even though our B-Complex Gold product provides 36 mcg of vitamin B12 per serving, not all of it is utilized by the body. In fact, we are sometimes asked why we do not include more B12 in our multivitamin products, given that no upper intake level (UL) has been set by the Food & Nutrition Board for vitamin B12 due to its low level of toxicity. (Source - https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B12) We recognize that we are all unique individuals with often varied nutritional needs and we encourage all of our customers to consult with a licensed healthcare provider to determine what micronutrients they may or may not be lacking and what amounts are appropriate for their needs.

Can individuals with a known or suspected MTHFR gene mutation take B-Complex Gold to get the recommended daily value of folate?

There is some controversy with regard to the form of B9 that is best suited for individuals with a known or suspected MTHFR gene variant. According to the American Pregnancy Association, some women have a defect in their MTHFR gene that doesn’t allow them to properly convert synthetic folic acid into active methyl folate. As such, women taking folic acid may not be absorbing their B vitamins as expected. For this reason, it is preferable to take folate either from whole food sources (e.g. green leafy vegetables) or supplements that contain the natural form of active folate instead of synthesized folic acid whenever possible. 

However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common variant in the MTHFR gene is MTHFR C677T and these are the 5 most important things to known about this variant —

1. People with MTHFR C677T variants can process all types of folate, including folic acid.
2. Folic acid is the only type of folate shown to help prevent neural tube defects.
3. MTHFR gene variants are common.
4. All women of reproductive age who could become pregnant should consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day, including those with an MTHFR C677T variant
5. Sometimes a woman may still have a baby with a neural tube defect even though she consumed the recommended 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid; the defect may be unrelated to the MTHFR gene variant or folate status.

Supplements containing forms of folate other than folic acid (such as 5-MTHF) should not be confused with the natural food folate found in fruits and vegetables. The effectiveness of these [5-MTHF] supplements in preventing neural tube defects has not been studied. For more information on the difference between folic acid and folate, please click here. 

The form of B9 in our product is not the methylated form. While it can help bridge nutritional gaps in the diet, support good health, and help minimize the risk of folate deficiency when taken in conjunction with a diet that includes folate-rich foods, we regret we do not have any information on and cannot make any recommendations regarding the use of our product by individuals with a known or suspected MTHFR gene variant. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the folate form in our products, we ask that you discuss those concerns with your healthcare provider prior to supplementation so you can make an informed purchasing decision on the form of folate that will best support your particular health goals. 

What is a pullulan capsule? What is it made of?

Pullulan is a vegetable-derived, water-soluble polysaccharide produced through a natural fermentation process. Pullulan capsules are considered more natural than HPMC (cellulose) capsules because they are naturally derived from fermented tapioca. Unlike cellulose capsules, which are considered semi-synthetic and not permitted in certified organic products, pullulan is included in the USDA’s National Organic Program list of accepted ingredients for organic products. 

What is the purpose of the organic rice concentrate?

Although we make every effort to manufacture products without any additives, we sometimes need to add an additive for optimal ingredient flow during manufacturing and to ensure finished product integrity. While many supplement companies prefer to use chemical additives like magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide, we prefer to use organic rice concentrate from USA-grown brown rice bran, which is naturally hypoallergenic and gluten-free. The rice concentrate is only added on an as-needed basis to ensure product integrity and is always declared in the spirit of authentic transparency on the product label.

Is B-Complex Gold suitable for children (under 18 years of age)?

B-Complex Gold is formulated for individuals over 18 years. Because children are considered a vulnerable population, we regret we cannot make any recommendations regarding the use of our products by or for children under the age of 18. We ask that you talk to your pediatrician or family practitioner about whether or not B-Complex Gold is suitable and safe for your child’s particular healthcare needs prior to supplementation.

Questions about capsule shell

What is in the capsules used by NutriGold to encapsulate its products?

Depending on the formulation, NutriGold products are encapsulated using cellulose, pullulan, organic pullulan, or soft gel capsules. Information regarding the composition of the capsule shell is provided in the “Informed Purchasing Decision Checklist” and is accurate to the best of our knowledge based on information available in the public domain as well as supply-chain documentation provided by the capsule and soft gel manufacturers/vendors.

Are any processing aids used in the production of the empty vegetarian capsule?

Yes. Minor amounts (~ 3%) of processing aids are used in the production of the empty vegetarian (cellulose) capsule shell. The processing aids used in the manufacturing of the capsule shell have been identified as proprietary by the capsule manufacturer and protected by intellectual property and confidentiality agreements between the capsule manufacturer/vendor and NutriGold. As such, we are legally bound to maintain this information strictly confidential and regret that we cannot provide this information to consumers. We can, however, assure you that the processing aids are non-toxic, generally recognized as safe (GRAS), compliant with both the United States Pharmacopoeia and European Pharmacopoeia, and do not pose an allergen risk.  

Are the processing aids used in the production of the empty capsule shells present in the finished product?

Processing aids that are used in the production of the capsule shell may be present in the finished empty capsule shell. We regret we cannot provide precise information on the type of processing aid(s) or the approximate residual amount of the processing aid(s) in the finished capsule shell because it would require us to divulge information proprietary to the capsule manufacturer. We can, however, assure you that the processing aids used in the production of the empty capsule shell are non-toxic, generally recognized as safe (GRAS), compliant with both the United States Pharmacopoeia and European Pharmacopoeia, and do not pose an allergen risk.

I am concerned about a possible allergy to the processing aid(s) used in the production of the capsule shells. How can I find out what processing aids are used so I can determine whether the product is safe for me to take?

Although we make every effort to provide as much information as we can about the ingredients in our products to help consumers make educated purchasing decisions, there may be times when we cannot provide the requested information or clarification because it is proprietary to the manufacturer, as in the case of the processing aids. Disclosing protected information to unauthorized individuals, within and outside our organization, is not just unethical, but also unlawful. If you are concerned about a potential allergy to the processing aid(s) that may have been used in the production of the capsule shell, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider prior to making a purchasing decision. 

Why does NutriGold® sometimes use soft gelatin capsules to encapsulate its products?

At NutriGold®, we are committed to offering sustainable products using non-GMO, organic, and/or vegan ingredients, and this includes the capsule shell we use to encapsulate those ingredients. In fact, many of our products are certified vegan by Vegan Action®, helping provide unbiased assurance that the product (and the ingredients it contains) comply with both dietary and ethical vegan standards. However, there are some ingredients (e.g. fish oil, ubiquinol, astaxanthin) that are more sensitive to oxygen and can, consequently, oxidize or degrade. For ingredients like these, bovine gelatin soft gelatin capsule shells offer better protection and help ensure finished product integrity until the end of the shelf-life of the product. That being said, we are hopeful that growing consumer awareness of and demand for vegan options will continue to drive innovation in dietary supplement delivery systems and we are committed to replacing the gelatin soft gels in our products with a clean-label, vegan capsule shell that offers the same protection from the elements as the gelatin capsule when such an option becomes available.

Questions about the ‘Best By’ date and ‘Consume by’ recommendation

What does the “Best by” date printed on the bottom of the bottle mean?

The “Best By” date printed on the bottle is the date until which a product will meet label claims as long as the product is sealed or, once opened, stored and handled as recommended on the product label.

Is the product safe to take after the “Best by” date printed on the bottle?

As long as the product is stored and handled under conditions that will not cause it to become contaminated, the product should be safe to take past the “Best By” date printed on the bottom of the bottle. However, we do not guarantee that the product will meet stated label claims past the “Best By” date printed on the bottle.

Why does the product I purchased have a recommendation on the label to consume the product within a certain number of days after opening the bottle?

The “consume by” recommendation is included on products that are formulated using ingredients that are sensitive to environmental factors (e.g. heat, light, humidity). Although exposure to these environmental factors does not adversely impact or compromise product safety, it can degrade the potency of these eco-sensitive ingredients and, consequently, make the product less effective. So, to ensure that you get the most out of products that are made using eco-sensitive ingredients, please consume the product within the timeframe recommended on the label.

What is the difference between the “Best by” date and the “Consume by” recommendation on your products?

The “Best By” date printed on the bottle is the date until which a product will meet label claims as long as the product is sealed or, once opened, stored and handled as recommended on the product label.

The “Consume by” recommendation is included only on products that are formulated using ingredients that are sensitive to environmental factors (e.g. heat, light, humidity). Although exposure to these environmental factors does not adversely impact or compromise product safety, it can degrade the potency of these eco-sensitive ingredients and, consequently, make the product less effective. So, to ensure that you get the most out of products that are made using eco-sensitive ingredients, it is important to consume the product within the timeframe recommended on the label.

If the product I purchased contains ingredients that can degrade once the bottle is opened, how can I be confident that I am still getting the declared amounts of the nutrients on the label?

To ensure that our products provide the nutrients in the amounts declared on the label, we intentionally include higher amounts of eco-sensitive ingredients than what is declared on the label to compensate for degradation that may occur once the bottle is opened. The amount of an ingredient that is added above what is declared on the label is referred to as an intentional “overage” and it is added for the precise purpose of compensating for possible potency degradation during routine product storage and handling. That being said, we would like to assure you that we take great care to ensure that the amount of the overage does not exceed established tolerable upper limits and there is no risk of toxicity when the product is taken as directed.

Because there are practical and regulatory considerations on how much of an overage we can include in our different formulations, the most effective option we have available to ensure that consumers get the most out of our products is to provide the “consume by” guidance on products that contain eco-sensitive ingredients. You can be confident that you are getting the declared amounts of the nutrients as long as you store and consume the product within the recommended time frame.

Why do you recommend consuming the product within a certain number of days after opening the bottle even though the “Best by” date is months (or years) away?

NutriGold products are made with natural ingredients and without chemical preservatives. While the vast majority of ingredients we use in our products are stable and remain potent even after the product is opened, there are some ingredients that are particularly sensitive to environmental factors and must be handled with care from source to shelf, and beyond.

If the product you purchased includes a recommendation to finish the product within a prescribed time, it is important that you follow this guidance (unless it conflicts with instructions from your healthcare provider), so you can enjoy the health benefits that can only be realized when the product is taken consistently as recommended.

Will the product still provide benefits past the “consume by” recommendation on the bottle?

If the product you purchased includes a recommendation to finish the product within a prescribed time, it is important that you follow this guidance so you can enjoy the health benefits that can only be realized when the product is taken consistently as recommended. Although not consuming the product within the recommended time frame once the bottle is opened will not cause the product to “spoil” or become “unsafe,” the potency of some of the more eco-sensitive ingredients may start to degrade and this can diminish the product’s potential to support your health goals.

What is the best way to store NutriGold products?

NutriGold products are made with natural ingredients and without the use of any chemical stabilizers or preservatives. So, the best way to store them is in their original container away from direct sunlight and humidity. It is not recommended to empty the capsules or soft gels from their original container and store them in pill boxes or plastic bags because it could not only cause some of the more eco-sensitive ingredients to lose potency, but may also increase the risk of cross-contamination with other products or environmental pathogens.

Follow these simple guidelines to get the most out of NutriGold supplements —