Life Extension BioActive Complete B-Complex
by Life Extension
"Enzymatically active B vitamins — methylfolate, methylcobalamin, P5P, and benfotiamine at a fraction of practitioner-grade prices"
Overview
Life Extension BioActive Complete B-Complex provides all eight B vitamins in their enzymatically active forms: 5-MTHF (methylfolate), methylcobalamin, pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P), riboflavin-5-phosphate, benfotiamine, pantethine, and biotin. These active forms are immediately usable by the body without enzymatic conversion — critical for the estimated 40-60% of the population with MTHFR polymorphisms that impair folate metabolism. At $12-16 for 60 capsules, this is significantly more affordable than comparable practitioner-grade B-complexes like Pure Encapsulations ($22-28).
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| 5-MTHF (Methylfolate) | 400 mcg DFE |
| Methylcobalamin (Active B12) | 300 mcg |
| Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P) | 100 mg |
| Benfotiamine (Active B1) | 100 mg |
| Pantethine (Active B5) | 100 mg |
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- All active/coenzyme B vitamin forms
- MTHFR-friendly (methylfolate + methylcobalamin)
- Significantly cheaper than practitioner brands
- Life Extension quality standards
- 8,000+ Amazon reviews
What Could Be Better
- Only 60 capsules
- 100mg P5P (very high — may cause nerve tingling)
- Not hypoallergenic like Pure Encapsulations
- Some B vitamin doses are aggressive
Who Is This For?
Best For
- MTHFR mutation carriers
- Those wanting active B forms on a budget
- Energy and methylation support
- Life Extension brand fans
Not Ideal For
- Those sensitive to high B6 doses
- Those wanting hypoallergenic formula
- Those wanting conservative dosing
Our Verdict
Life Extension BioActive B-Complex is the best value active-form B-complex — all enzymatically active forms at half the price of practitioner brands. The 100mg P5P is aggressive; monitor for peripheral nerve tingling and reduce if needed.