Benfotiamine Supplement: Benefits and Uses

Benfotiamine is a synthetic form of vitamin B1 (thiamine) that is believed to have beneficial effects on nerve health and blood sugar levels. It is often used as a dietary supplement.

Benfotiamine FAQ

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What is benfotiamine used for?

People use benfotiamine for nerve damage caused by diabetes ( diabetic neuropathy ). It is also used for alcohol use disorder, Alzheimer disease, arthritis, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Uses & Effectiveness ? Nerve pain in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy).

What is Benfotiamine (rINN)?

Benfotiamine ( rINN, or S-benzoylthiamine O-monophosphate) is a synthetic, fat-soluble, S -acyl derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1) that is approved in some countries as a medication or dietary supplement to treat diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Benfotiamine was developed in late 1950s in Japan.

Is benfotiamine soluble?

Although often referred to as a lipid-soluble analog of thiamine, benfotiamine is virtually insoluble in hydrophobic and organic solvents [ 4 ]. When administered orally, benfotiamine is dephosphorylated by alkaline phosphatases in the intestine to S-benzoylthiamine, which is lipophilic and can cross cell membranes.

When was benfotiamine developed?

Benfotiamine was developed in late 1950s in Japan. Benfotiamine is primarily marketed as an over-the-counter drug to treat diabetic polyneuropathy.

Is benfotiamine a drug?

As of 2017, benfotiamine was marketed as a pharmaceutical drug in many countries under the following brand names: Benalgis, Benfogamma, Benforce, Benfotiamina, Biotamin, Biotowa, Milgamma, and Vilotram.