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Cataplex B Review – 12 Things You Didn’t Know

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Synopsis | Nutrition Info | Pros & Cons | Adverse Effects | Cautions | Cost | Buying Options | Directions | Does it Work

Proper nutrition is linked to good health and the prevention and treatment of many health issues. Obtaining the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals daily is an integral part of the nutrition equation, and B vitamins are fundamental for preventive care.

Abundant in whole or enriched grains, green vegetables, meats, and dairy, B vitamins help support a healthy metabolism and are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke[1].

However, not everyone can get the recommended B vitamins daily. There’s where dietary supplements like Cataplex B can step in.

Synopsis

1) Cataplex B at a Glance

Cataplex B made by Standard Process is advertised as a unique and powerful blend of animal and plant-based ingredients:

  • High amounts of nutritional yeast that is a good source of B-complex vitamins, enzymes, and essential amino acids;
  • Porcine and bovine tissue extracts that provide nutrients and support to the corresponding tissues in humans;
  • Minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients obtained from animal and plant extracts that act synergistically for an enhanced effect.

2) History of Cataplex B

Cataplex B is produced by Standard Process, an American supplement company founded by Dr. Royal Lee.

In 1926, Dr. Royal Lee understood the negative impact the average American diet had on general health. He acknowledged that processed foods exhausted our food sources of rich nutrition once found in them. Dr. Lee dedicated his entire life to developing a more advanced system for producing whole-food-based supplements[2].

According to the official Standard Process website, the company headquartered in Palmyra, Wisconsin, has provided health care professionals with “high-quality, nutritional supplements sourced from whole foods.”

Today, Standard Process offers over 300 different dietary supplements through three product lines:

  • MediHerb herbal supplements;
  • Standard Process whole food supplements;
  • Standard Process Veterinary Formulas.

The products are available only through health care professionals.

All Standard Process supplements are formulated from whole foods found in nature (whole food extracts, animal tissue extracts, botanicals, whole food isolates, and concentrates) and are prepared to conserve the nutritive value.

How to contact Standard Process company:

  • Address: 1200 W. Royal Lee Drive, Palmyra, WI 53156
  • Phone: 800-558-8740
  • Fax: 800-438-3799
  • Email: info@standardprocess.com
  • Website: standardprocess.com
Nutrition Info

3) Ingredients of Cataplex B

Cataplex B contains the following active ingredients:

  • Thiamin 1 mg
  • Niacin 20 mg
  • Vitamin B6 1 mg
  • Choline 10 mg
  • Proprietary blend [bovine liver, organic beet (root), nutritional yeast, porcine duodenum, organic carrot, defatted wheat germ, rice bran, organic sweet potato, bovine adrenal, d-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E sunflower), sunflower lecithin powder, ascorbic acid, manganese lactate, phosphoric acid, inositol, and riboflavin] 545 mg

Other inactive ingredients include honey, choline bitartrate, niacinamide, calcium stearate, arabic gum, thiamin hydrochloride, and pyridoxine hydrochloride.

4) Does Cataplex B Work and it is Safe?

Cataplex B is a dietary supplement containing three B vitamins and a proprietary blend of animal and plant extracts.

Cataplex B claims to help boost energy production, improve cardiovascular health, and stimulate the nervous system. This approach to health is relatively unique. In fact, Standard Process is well known for using a wide range of animal and herbal extracts in their supplements.

But let’s take a quick look over some core ingredients.

Vitamin B1, also known as Thiamine, is essential for every tissue in the body. It is a cofactor for enzymatic reactions in the heart, kidney, liver, skeletal muscles, and brain[3][4].

Vitamin B1 helps convert carbohydrates into glucose, the favored energy source that the body runs off to keep your metabolism running smoothly. It also helps break down fats, and proteins[5].

Cataplex-B-Standard-Process-Thiamine-Vitamin-B1-Facts

Thiamine is specifically needed for a system of enzyme reactions called pyruvate dehydrogenase, which works to metabolize sugars that we eat [6].

Like other B-complex vitamins, Vitamin B1 is sometimes described as an “anti-stress” vitamin because it may enhance the body’s capacity to endure stressful conditions and strengthen the immune system[7].

You also get 20 mg of Niacin (also known as Vitamin B3) from each serving of Cataplex B. Niacin is essential for your overall health, especially to reduce LDL cholesterol, prevent heart disease, help treat type 1 diabetes, boost cognitive function, and relieve symptoms of arthritis[8][9][10][11][12][13].

You should also bear in mind that your body can produce Vitamin B3 naturally using the amino acid L-Tryptophan. Therefore, Niacin deficiencies are less likely to occur. In fact, in the United States and other developed countries, Niacin deficiency is rare and is typically found in alcoholics.

According to WebMD[14], mild Niacin deficiency symptoms include fatigue, vomiting, canker sores, poor circulation, depression, and indigestion. More severe Niacin deficiency can lead to a condition called pellagra. The symptoms of pellagra include mental impairment, inflamed or flakey skin, digestive problems, and diarrhea.

In addition to these ingredients, you will also find a proprietary blend in Cataplex B, which actually provides you with porcine and bovine-based glandulars.

Some studies[15][16][17][18] have shown that you may benefit from glandulars, but, typically, there is a concern about how they are processed. With a risk of contamination, it is always better to get products for companies with an excellent track record.

Pros & Cons

5) Cataplex B: Pros and Cons

Cataplex B claimed benefits include:

  • It supports nervous and physical system health;
  • Supports healthy cholesterol levels already within a normal range;
  • Stimulatory to the cardiovascular, metabolic, and central/peripheral nervous systems;
  • Supports a healthy heart;
  • Supports energy production in all cells;
  • Supports healthy homocysteine levels;
  • It contains three B-vitamins to support healthy muscle action;
  • Good source of Vitamin B6, Niacin, and Thiamin.
Adverse Effects

6) Potential Cataplex B Adverse Effects

Cataplex B is advertised as an all-natural dietary supplement with no potentially dangerous adverse effects. However, some user reviews suggest that it is possible to develop specific side effects when taking the product.

Cataplex B contains Niacin, which can cause gastrointestinal problems. Taking any multivitamin when you are not already deficient can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and thickening of the urine[19].

Some people may also develop allergic reactions after taking a supplement containing Niacin. It is also possible to develop irregular heartbeat and muscle pain when you start taking this supplement[20].

Cautions

7) What You Need to Know Before Taking Cataplex B

Standard Process doesn’t mention any warnings or health implications mentioned, other than the standard recommendation that pregnant or nursing mothers should consult with a healthcare provider before taking Cataplex B.

It is also worth noting that animal and plant extracts (including adrenal extracts from cows or pigs) have been used since 1900 to treat a wide array of medical conditions such as allergies, asthma, severe burns, morning sickness, or Addison’s disease.

Better alternatives were discovered with advancements in healthcare and medicine, and animal extracts fell out of use.

In 1989, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) banned[21] all imported adrenal extracts. Subsequently, in 1996, the FDA recalled injectable extracts too.

The FDA also released public alerts warning against the use of such extracts after reports suggested that more than 50 people contracted infections from contaminated[22] products.

Buying Options

8) Where to Buy Cataplex B in the United States?

Most Standard Process products are available through consultations with qualified practitioners, and you can’t easily find them online or in local stores.

However, Cataplex B is one of the Standard Process supplements you can easily purchase online from almost every major retailer like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, NHC, or Natural Healthy Concepts.

Cost

9) How Much Does Cataplex B Cost?

Cataplex B is available in bottles of 120 or 360 tablets. The 180 tablet bottle (90 servings) costs $27.00, while the 360 tablet bottle (180 servings) costs $51.60.

Directions

10) Directions For Taking Cataplex B

The recommended Cataplex B dose is two (2) tablets per meal, or as directed by a medical doctor.

11) What Customers Say About Cataplex B

"The best pill I ever put into my body. Puts you to sleep, calms you, and relaxes you. It is made out of real foods in the ingredients. Standard Process is the very best supplement product line." [Read full review]

---John Burks

"This supplement saved my husband's life. He was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure in September of 2009. I would highly recommend this supplement to anyone who has any kind of heart issue." [Read full review]

---Valerie Banta

"Standard Process, the real food supplement with the ability to adjust your personal dose accordingly. You can use 1 or 2 tiny tablets, 3, 4, or 5, depending on your individual need. I use them for heart & adrenal health. They stop vertigo & dizziness & help with migraines." [Read full review]

---Lynda J.

Does it Work

12) Bottom Line – Does It Really Work?

One thing that works in Cataplex B’s favor is how popular this dietary supplement actually is. For instance, Cataplex B has received over 750 user reviews on Amazon alone, averaging an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars.

It is also worth noticing that using animal extract supplements may lead to unwanted consequences when they are not needed.

On the other hand, Standard Process is a reputable American brand of dietary supplements with an A+ rating given by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Customers trust the brand, and Drenamin has been used in clinical practice since 1935. All these lend to good credibility.

3.5/5 - (10 votes)

Reference Sources

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Terri C. Dewald

I have suffered from dizziness for several years. At times it was unbearable. I walked like a drunk. People stared. I felt awful. I was miserable. My chiropractor/nutritionist recommended Cataplex B 360. She told me to take 2/2/2 morning/noon/night. I could not believe that after two days, I was not dizzy and haven’t been since.

Michelle M. Prichard

I first tried Cataplex B and had a severe headache due to the immediate detoxification that occurred. It is an incredible product for heart problems, adrenal fatigue and mental disorders of every kind. I can’t recommend it enough. I’ve been taking it for many years and wouldn’t be without it!

Lois

Tried taking cataplex b but got hot flushes I believe from niacin and it upset my stomache I had to stop taking it

Lesanne Coffin

Has anyone had any stomach problems with this? I have reacted to Vit. B in the past, but know I really need it, for all the symptoms described above.

Stacey

Cataplex B sorry as these are very costly looking for alternative

Connie

All I can say is that since my chiropractor gave me this I am a total different person the best I have felt all year my neuropathy in my legs isn’t as bad my legs don’t hurt .I have more energy my mood is so much better am .

Billy may

Unfortunately this has not helped me with my mood swings, I’ve been using them complementary to specific medication. Still, I have noticed a slight improvement in my stamina and mental clarity and I am hoping that in a different combination they may do the job.

Caramia
Reply to  Billy may

Try Min Tran by Standard Process for mood swings

Marita Hensel

Can Cataplex B cause heart flutters?

Iulian (Editor)
Reply to  Marita Hensel

Cataplex B contains Niacin, which can cause gastrointestinal problems and allergic reactions in some people. Taking any multivitamin when you are not already deficient in it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and thickening of the urine. It is also possible to develop irregular heartbeat and muscle pain when you first start taking this supplement.

noha kamal

i have the 1250, should i take 2 per meal? is it every meal or preferable at breakfast? is it before or after the meal? thx

Iulian (Editor)
Reply to  noha kamal

The recommended Cataplex B dose is two (2) tablets three times a day or with each meal.