Benfotiamine is a synthetic, fat-soluble form of thiamine (vitamin B1) that exhibits improved bioavailability compared to its water-soluble counterpart. It is primarily used to manage and alleviate co...
Benfotiamine is a synthetic, fat-soluble form of thiamine (vitamin B1) that exhibits improved bioavailability compared to its water-soluble counterpart. It is primarily used to manage and alleviate complications associated with diabetes, particularly diabetic neuropathy. It functions by mitigating the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Benfotiamine may also offer cardiovascular and kidney protective benefits. While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience minor gastrointestinal side effects. Allergic reactions are rare.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
150-600mg daily
Source Type
synthetic
Production Process
Benfotiamine is a synthetic derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1). It is produced through a chemical process involving the addition of a benzoyl group to thiamine, making it more fat-soluble than thiamine hydrochloride.
Use Type
Inside BodyPotential Benefits
Astragalus polysaccharides may protect the cardiovascular system by improving endothelial function, reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, and providing antioxidant defense against oxidative stress. This can contribute to overall heart health.
Benfotiamine may alleviate diabetic neuropathy symptoms by reducing AGE accumulation, which damages nerves. This can decrease pain, numbness, and tingling in extremities.
Benfotiamine may protect against diabetic nephropathy by reducing albumin excretion in urine, a sign of kidney damage. It potentially works by reducing AGEs and oxidative stress in the kidneys.
Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of thiamine with higher bioavailability than water-soluble thiamine. This increased bioavailability leads to improved absorption and utilization of thiamine in the body.
Possible Side Effects
Gastrointestinal upset involves a variety of digestive symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may indicate an underlying condition if persistent.
Allergic reactions are hypersensitivity responses to allergens, ranging from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms vary widely and are caused by an immune response.
Scientific Evidence
[1] Stracke H, Hammes HP, Werkmann D, Hanssene H, Neuffer B, Kopcke W, Diabetes-polyneuropathie-study (DPNS): double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial on the effect of benfotiamine on painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Pain. 2008 Jan;134(1):29-36. [2] Winkler G, Pal B, Nagybeganyi M, Ory I, Porochnavec M, Kempler P. Effectiveness of different benfotiamine dosages on painful diabetic neuropathy. Arzneimittelforschung. 1999 Mar;49(3):220-6. [3] Balakumar P, Rohilla A, Krishan P, Solhi H, Sharma N, Mahmood S. The multifaceted therapeutic potential of benfotiamine. Pharmacol Res. 2010 Jun;61(6):482-8.
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