Benfotiamine

Description

Benfotiamine™ is a lipid-soluble derivative of vitamin B1 (thiamine) that has been shown in many studies to activate enzymes that positively affect the conversion of glucose or sugar metabolites in the blood, and positively affect glycation and the formation of  advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Benfotiamine supports peripheral nerve health and may support vascular health, including the microvasculature of the retina and kidney—all areas that are put at risk by high-normal blood sugar levels, glycation, and AGEs. Benfotiamine is also an excellent way to improve thiamin status.*

Suggested Use: Take two capsules in the morning and two capsules in the evening, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare practitioner. Do not use if the tamper seal is damaged.

Bottle Contains: 120 Vegetarian Capsules
Ingredients: Benfotiamine
Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, HPMC (capsule), ascorbyl palmitate, silica, and medium-chain triglyceride oil.
Does Not Contain: Wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, animal or dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, or artificial preservatives.

The Science

The excellent pharmacokinetic profile of lipid-soluble benfotiamine (S-benzoylthiamine O-monophosphate) is the reason why many practitioners select it in preference to other forms of supplemental thiamin, especially for protocols requiring high levels of the B vitamin. Its effectiveness, however, has been demonstrated even in low doses (i.e. 150 mg/d).^[1] As compared to thiamin hydrochloride administration, maximum plasma levels are approximately five times higher and bioavailability is, at maximum, approximately 3.6 times as high. These plasma levels are also better than lipophilic thiamin derivatives.^[2]

Pathways of Glucose-Metabolite–Induced Damage

High intracellular sugars can lead to an accumulation of intermediate metabolic products. These metabolic products activate certain pathways.^[3,4] These pathways are: (1) polyol pathway flux; (2) increased formation of AGEs (advanced glycation end-products); (3) increased expression of the receptor for AGEs (RAGEs) and its activating ligands; (4) activation of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms; and (5) overactivity of the hexosamine pathway.^[4] Together, these mechanisms can impact vascular tissue and target particularly susceptible capillary endothelial cells of the retina, mesangial cells in the renal glomerulus, neuronal cells, and Schwann cells.*^[3-7]

Benfotiamine Supports Diversion to Different Pathway

Benfotiamine has been shown to enhance the activity of transketolase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of harmful glucose-intermediate metabolites in the pentose phosphate pathway.^[4-7] In vitro research showed treatment with benfotiamine had an impressive effect on transketolase activity (454% increase from control).^[5] Researchers further indicated that increasing transketolase activity supports the diversion of intermediate metabolites away from three of the major pathways (including AGE formation) discussed above.^[5] Benfotiamine was shown to have a positive influence on AGE formation and PKC activity. It is thought to prevent NF-kappaB activation in the rat retina as well as inhibit change in the number of retinal acellular capillary segments.*^[5]

This research has been supported by a human pilot study wherein subjects given benfotiamine (600 mg/d) plus alpha-lipoic acid (1200 mg/d) demonstrated healthy changes in AGE formation, monocyte hexosaminemodified proteins, and prostacyclin synthase activity.*^[8]

Nerve Tissue Health

Microvasculature feeding peripheral nerves can be affected by the pathways discussed herein. Furthermore, lower AGE formation is associated with healthier nerve tissue. The role of benfotiamine in diverting glucose metabolites to a less harmful metabolic pathway may well be the underlying reason it has been used successfully in Germany for over a decade to support nerve health. Results suggest that benfotiamine is most effective in large doses (320-600 mg/d), although effectiveness is still achieved in smaller daily dosages (150 mg/d).*^[1,9,10]

General Disclaimer:

Keep closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10219465
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8929745
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15919781
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21030723
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12592403
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20188835
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18220605
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18663426
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15726875
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18473286