Benfotiamine
Benfotiamine is a lipid-soluble derivative of thiamine, which is a type of vitamin B1. It is used to treat nerve damage caused by diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), alcohol use disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and other conditions. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Here are some benefits of Benfotiamine that have been supported by scientific studies:
- Preventive effects on chronic diabetic complications: A study on rats showed that benfotiamine can prevent DNA damage in the organs affected by diabetes through its preventive effects on oxidative stress.
- Reduced risk of diabetic retinopathy: Another study on rats found that benfotiamine can block three major pathways of hyperglycemic damage and prevent experimental diabetic retinopathy.
- Reduced neuropathic pain: A clinical trial on humans found that benfotiamine can reduce neuropathic pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
The recommended dose of benfotiamine for diabetic peripheral neuropathy is 150-300 mg twice daily. Benfotiamine is likely safe at doses of up to 600 mg daily for up to 24 weeks, and side effects are rare. Increased liver enzymes have been reported with benfotiamine at maximum doses studied of up to 1,200 mg daily for up to ten days.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6617248/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7364858/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/benfotiamine-89417
- https://diabetesjournals.org/books/book/8/chapter/4048814/Botanical-and-Nonbotanical-Products-Used-for
- https://supplements.selfdecode.com/blog/health-benefits-benfotiamine/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8145448/
