The Best Vitamin B Foods For Vegans & Omnivores Alike

Whether you've recently gone vegan or are looking to optimize your nutrition as an omnivore, B vitamins are essential for overall health. As a cluster of eight vitamins, they're responsible for everything from muscle to cognitive function, says dietitian Elana Natker, M.S., R.D.

While vitamin B is most abundant in animal foods, most B vitamins can also be found in plant foods—although in smaller amounts—according to Natker. "I recommend vegans get plenty of grains in their diets from things like bread, [fortified] breakfast cereal, and pasta," she says. Vegetables like spinach, along with ingredients such as nutritional yeast (a vegan favorite) also contain many of the B vitamins. 

Vitamin B1, known as thiamin1, plays a crucial role in various cell functions, and only a small amount is stored in the liver, requiring daily adequate intake. Deficiencies are uncommon since B1 is found in common foods like fish, meats, and whole grains. But chronically low intake, poor absorption, increased loss (through urine or stools), or increased needs (such as during pregnancy) could potentially lead to inadequate thiamine levels. 

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin2 works as a crucial antioxidant, fighting free radicals that can contribute to inflammation. It's also important for converting vitamin B6 into a more bioavailable (aka usable) form, protecting eye health and relieving the severity of migraines3. While riboflavin tends to be abundant in a standard well-balanced diet (yes, even vegan diets), vegetarian athletes4 and pregnant or lactating women5 may be at a higher risk of inadequacy. 

Also known as niacin, vitamin B3 is essential for maintaining heart and circulatory health, brain health, skin health, and cognitive health. All three forms of vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and nicotinamide riboside) are precursors of NAD+6, which contributes to cell function and promotes healthy aging.

Known as pantothenic acid7, vitamin B5 is used to make coenzyme A, which helps enzymes metabolize fatty acids in the blood. A diet rich in B5 is thus linked to lower incidences of hyperlipidemia characterized by elevated levels of "bad" cholesterol or triglycerides. While more research is needed to conclude its efficacy as an antioxidant, it does demonstrate a positive effect on low-grade inflammation associated with heart disease.

By supporting lymphocyte production (a type of white blood cell), vitamin B68 is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. It's essential in over 100 enzyme reactions, most notably those involved in metabolizing proteins. While most people get enough pantothenic acid in the diet, those with impaired kidney function9, alcohol dependency, or autoimmune disease10 are at risk for a deficiency. 

Also known as the "beauty vitamin," B7 or biotin11 helps promote skin, hair, and nail health. And biotin deficiency can actually lead to hair thinning, brittle nails, and red scaly rashes on the skin. Increasing biotin-rich foods or taking a supplement can help resolve those side effects. 

However, biotin deficiency is relatively rare in our modern world, and reaching for it when you're getting enough won't lead to additional benefits. In fact, excess biotin may actually interfere with blood test lab results12. 

Biotin also helps metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins, and assists in gene regulation and cell signaling. 

Known as folate in its natural form or folic acid in supplement form, Natker says vitamin B9 "helps prevent neural tube defects13 in early pregnancy and is important for healthy red blood cells." In fact, Goldberg Libraty adds that research suggests both reproductive parties should consider supplementing with folic acid.

Goldberg Libraty says vitamin B1214, or cobalamin, is essential for the formation and division of red blood cells as well as DNA and nerve health. It's only derived from animal proteins, which is why many vegans take a vitamin B12 supplement to help meet their daily needs. But ingredients such as nutritional yeast and tempeh can be fortified with vitamin B12. 

Other factors leading to vitamin B12 deficiency15 include older age, autoimmune conditions, bowel disease, and the use of antacids. "I like to look at my clients' B12 status annually since supplementing is easy and may prevent [cognitive impairment]16," she says.