Top Benfotiamine Benefits and Uses

Benfotiamine is a highly bioavailable, fat-soluble form of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. This makes benfotiamine a powerful tool for correcting vitamin B1 deficiency and associated symptoms.

There are many impressive benfotiamine benefits, ranging from supporting nerve function to managing cardiovascular health and potentially slowing cognitive decline.

Learn about common signs of vitamin B1 deficiency and find out how taking benfotiamine can help safeguard your health.

What is benfotiamine?

Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1, an essential nutrient needed for optimal energy metabolism, nerve function, and cellular health. 

Compared to water-soluble thiamine, benfotiamine is absorbed more efficiently, allowing the body to utilize it more effectively.

Due to its high bioavailability, benfotiamine can rapidly enter cells and tissues, where it can directly support cellular processes and improve overall health.

Watch the video below to learn why benfotiamine is a unique B vitamin.

What is benfotiamine used for?

Benfotiamine has been found to be an effective tool in preventing and managing thiamine deficiency. 

The use of benfotiamine may be especially beneficial for individuals with health conditions that inhibit thiamine absorption, such as severe alcohol dependence, diabetes, and gastrointestinal diseases. 

Here are common symptoms of thiamine deficiency:

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Muscle weakness

• Nerve damage 

• Tingling in the hands and feet

• Shortness of breath

• Fluid retention and swelling

• Confusion

• Irritability

• Depression

• Blurred vision

• Poor concentration

• Lack of coordination

In addition to alleviating symptoms of thiamine deficiency, benfotiamine has been shown to be effective in reducing the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

AGEs form when sugars bind to proteins or fats in the bloodstream, a process that occurs most frequently when blood sugar levels are elevated.

Because of their chemical structure, AGEs can interfere with normal cellular function, which can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage. 

“Excessive concentrations of AGEs are typically linked to a high-carb diet and can exacerbate chronic inflammation,” explains Dr. Berg. ”This has been associated with an increased risk of diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, and certain cancers.”

By inhibiting the formation and accumulation of AGEs, benfotiamine helps protect cells and tissues, thereby supporting overall health and potentially reducing the risk of inflammatory diseases. 

Top benfotiamine benefits

Benfotiamine’s unique properties make it a crucial ally in maintaining and enhancing your health. 

Its effectiveness in alleviating thiamine deficiency and its anti-inflammatory properties support a wide range of health benefits and overall well-being.

Here are six impressive benefits of benfotiamine.

1. Neuroprotective effects

“Vitamin B1 is crucial for the production of myelin, which is the insulation around nerve axons. A vitamin B1 deficiency can cause the myelin sheath to break down and trigger persistent nerve pain,” explains Dr. Berg.

By promoting optimal thiamine levels, benfotiamine helps support nerve health and protects the fragile tissues in the central nervous system from AGEs-related inflammation and damage. 

Research published in Heliyon highlights the neuroprotective effects of benfotiamine treatment as follows, “Benfontamine improved motor nerve conduction velocity, decreased formation of neural AGEs, and prevented the formation of glycoxidation products in diabetic rats.”

Furthermore, evidence published in BMJ Open reported that the results of a placebo-controlled clinical trial suggest that benfotiamine significantly improved peripheral nerve function in type 2 diabetics suffering from diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN).

The study highlighted benfotiamine's potential to alleviate symptoms of peripheral neuropathy by improving nerve conduction and reducing neuropathic pain.

2. Promotes cardiovascular health

AGE accumulation can lead to endothelial dysfunction, characterized by impaired blood vessel function. 

The impaired function of endothelial cells also reduces nitric oxide production, a key molecule needed to relax blood vessels and maintain proper circulation. As a result, blood vessels can become damaged and narrow, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular events.

Benfotiamine can help counteract this blood vessel damage by reducing AGE formation and enhancing nitric oxide availability, thereby supporting efficient blood flow and promoting cardiovascular health.

3. May help slow cognitive decline

Research into the relationship between benfotiamine and cognitive decline has shown promising results, particularly in regard to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders. 

Evidence published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that benfotiamine slowed cognitive decline in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

The research revealed that the cognitive decline rate of the benfotiamine group was 43 percent lower than that of the group receiving a placebo.

This indicates that patients taking benfotiamine experienced slower deterioration of memory, language, and other cognitive abilities than those who didn’t. The authors also reported improved behavior and daily functioning among certain dementia patients. 

4. Supports cellular energy production

As a form of vitamin B1, benfotiamine plays a critical role in energy metabolism as it helps convert carbohydrates into energy.

Research published in Frontiers in Physiology found that benfotiamine can improve mitochondrial function by activating pathways that regulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s primary energy currency. 

This may explain why many individuals who are taking benfotiamine report increased energy levels, less fatigue, and enhanced physical performance.  

5. Reduces the risk of diabetic complications

Benfotiamine may help manage diabetic complications, including diabetic neuropathy, by protecting blood vessels and the nervous system from inflammation and AGE-related damage. 

A study published in Nature Medicine found that benfotiamine activates the enzyme transketolase, which plays a vital role in preventing the formation of AGEs linked to a lower risk of neuropathic health issues.

Although this research was based on an animal study showing that benfotiamine prevents experimental diabetic retinopathy, the findings provide promising insights into its potential benefits for managing diabetic complications and supporting overall vascular and nerve health.

6. Anti-inflammatory properties

Benfotiamine exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the arachidonic acid pathway. 

This pathway involves the release of the fatty acid arachidonic acid, which, when metabolized, produces pro-inflammatory compounds. By regulating this process, benfotiamine may offer a therapeutic tool to reduce inflammation.

A study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine demonstrated that benfotiamine prevents the activation of enzymes involved in metabolizing arachidonic acid, thereby helping to mitigate inflammation in the body.

Who should avoid benfotiamine

Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals taking medications such as diuretics or chemotherapy drugs should consult their healthcare provider before including benfotiamine in their daily routine. 

In addition, people with chronic liver or kidney conditions, as well as those with alcohol dependency, should discuss the use of benfotiamine with a doctor to avoid potential side effects.

If you’re planning to undergo surgery, it’s generally advisable to discontinue benfotiamine beforehand, as it may affect blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Key takeaways

Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 that is more readily absorbed and utilized by the body than water-soluble thiamine.

There are various impressive benfotiamine benefits, including enhanced cardiovascular health, better cognitive function, and increased energy levels. 

These benefits underscore benfotiamine’s potential role as a therapeutic tool for optimizing health and reducing the risk of chronic health conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, heart disease, and cardiovascular issues.

FAQ

1. What are the top benfotiamine benefits?

Benfotiamine offers a range of potential health benefits, including enhanced nerve health and brain function, better energy levels, and a lower risk of diabetic complications and cardiovascular disease. 

2. What does benfotiamine do?

Benfotiamine is a highly absorbable form of vitamin B1 that supports nerve function, helps regulate cellular energy production, and maintains vascular health.

3. When is the best time to take benfotiamine?

Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble vitamin, and it’s generally recommended to take it with a meal containing healthy fats to enhance its absorption.

4. Can benfotiamine help with neuropathy?

Yes, benfotiamine can help alleviate symptoms of neuropathy, such as tingling, numbness, and pain. It’s believed that benfotiamine achieves this by supporting nerve health, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow.

5. Is benfotiamine synthetic?

Benfotiamine is a synthetic form of vitamin B1. Unlike natural thiamine, which is water-soluble, benfotiamine is fat-soluble, which significantly increases its absorption and effectiveness in the body. 

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8814806/ 

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7880246/ 

3. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.01079/full 

4. https://www.nature.com/articles/nm834