BENFOTIAMINE
Tried BENFOTIAMINE? Be part of the collective knowledge. Share your experience - your insights help others on their journey.
What Is BENFOTIAMINE?
Benfotiamine is a synthetic, fat-soluble derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1) that exhibits significantly higher bioavailability and tissue penetration than standard water-soluble thiamine. It works by activating the enzyme transketolase to inhibit harmful metabolic pathways triggered by high glucose, and it is primarily used to treat diabetic neuropathy and age-related cognitive decline.
BENFOTIAMINE Research & Studies
01 Benfotiamine and Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Phase IIa Clinical Trial ▸
This clinical trial found that benfotiamine significantly slowed cognitive decline and improved brain glucose metabolism in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease over 12 months.
View Study (PubMed)02 BOND study: a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over 12 months to assess the effects of benfotiamine on morphometric, neurophysiological and clinical measures in patients with type 2 diabetes with symptomatic polyneuropathy ▸
This study evaluated whether long-term benfotiamine supplementation could improve nerve function and clinical symptoms in diabetic patients with nerve damage.
View Study (PubMed)03 Advances in the management of diabetic neuropathy ▸
A review highlighting benfotiamine's ability to inhibit damaging glucose-driven pathways, making it a key pathogenetically oriented treatment for neuropathic complications.
View Study (PubMed)04 Benfotiamine in diabetic polyneuropathy (BENDIP): results of a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical study ▸
Clinical results showed that higher doses of benfotiamine led to significant improvements in neuropathy pain scores compared to placebo.
View Study (PubMed)05 A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial on benfotiamine treatment in patients with diabetic nephropathy ▸
Research investigating the potential for benfotiamine to protect kidney function by reducing the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
View Study (PubMed)BENFOTIAMINE User Reviews & Experiences
*Based on large scale analysis of publicly available user experiences
Users overwhelmingly report success using benfotiamine for nerve pain and neuropathy, often describing it as more effective than standard B-vitamins with very few side effects.
BENFOTIAMINE Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
- Neuropathic Relief: Users report significant reductions in burning, tingling, and numbness associated with peripheral neuropathy.
- Cognitive Clarity: Some users and clinical trials note improvements in memory and mental energy by supporting brain glucose metabolism.
- Mitochondrial Support: It is frequently used in 'energy stacks' to improve mitochondrial function and ATP production.
- Vascular Protection: Helps reduce the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that damage blood vessels.
- Superior Bioavailability: Highly effective compared to thiamine HCl because its fat-soluble nature allows it to cross cell membranes easily.
- Neuropathy Pain: Consistently rated as an effective intervention for diabetic and alcoholic nerve damage in both clinical trials and user reports.
- Alcohol Recovery: Used effectively to replenish thiamine levels in those recovering from severe alcohol dependence.
- Dose-Dependent: Effectiveness often increases with higher dosages, particularly for chronic nerve pain.
- Standard Therapeutic Dose: Often taken at 300mg to 600mg daily for neuropathy management.
- Alzheimer's Protocols: Clinical trials have utilized 300mg twice daily (600mg total) for cognitive benefits.
- Advanced Stacking: Users often combine 150-300mg with Alpha-Lipoic Acid for synergistic nerve protection.
- Low Toxicity: Generally reported to have a very high safety profile with minimal side effects even at high doses.
- Mild GI Distress: Occasional reports of upset stomach if taken on an empty stomach.
- Skin Rash: Rare reports of allergic skin reactions or 'vitamin smells' in sweat at extremely high doses.
- Sourcing Difficulty: Users report that high-quality, pure benfotiamine can be harder to find than standard B1, often appearing in 'shady' or niche brands.
- Supplement Status: Widely available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement in the US and Europe.
Related Compounds
Community Reviews
Share your experience with BENFOTIAMINE and help others make informed decisions.
Write a Review
Sign in to leave a review