We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we'll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more
Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
B-Complex wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
5 of 8 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
4 of 8 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
1 capsule daily (per label)
Morning with breakfast
Methylated B-complex (methylcobalamin, methylfolate)
25-50mg for women; 50-100mg for men (start low)
Morning (mimics natural rhythm)
Micronized DHEA capsules
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
Immediate
4-8 weeks
8-12 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).
Dehydroepiandrosterone for depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Journal of neuroscience research (2020) · Meta analysis · n=742
No hormonal changes that indicated any risk to the participants' health were seen.
Hormonal Treatments and Vaginal Moisturizers for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause : A Systematic Review
Annals of internal medicine (2024) · Systematic review
Vaginal estrogen, vaginal DHEA, oral ospemifene, and vaginal moisturizers may improve some GSM symptoms in the short term.
TEAS, DHEA, CoQ10, and GH for poor ovarian response undergoing IVF-ET: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E (2023) · Meta analysis · n=2323
Compared with the control group, CoQ10 (OR 2.22, 95% CI: 1.05 to 4.71) and DHEA (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.16 to 3.16) had obvious advantages in improving the clinical pregnancy rate.
Multiple meta-analyses show small but statistically significant benefits for cognitive function in older adults and stroke prevention populations. Effect sizes are modest (SMD ~0.15-0.18). Benefits may be more pronounced in B-vitamin deficient populations.
Based on meta-analysis showing OR 1.92 for clinical pregnancy rate in poor ovarian response patients. Effect specific to fertility treatment context with medical supervision. Limited long-term safety data.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
B-Complex has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 9/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For support mood, DHEA has a higher relevance score (85 vs 70).
No known interactions between B-Complex and DHEA have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.