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Benfotiamine

Also known as: S-benzoylthiamine O-monophosphate, S-benzoylthiamine, benfotiamin, benfotiamine hydrochloride

Overview

Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble thiamine (vitamin B1) derivative with enhanced bioavailability compared to water-soluble thiamine salts. It exerts its primary therapeutic effects by increasing intracellular thiamine levels, thereby supporting transketolase activity in the pentose phosphate pathway. This action helps divert glucose metabolites away from harmful pathways implicated in diabetic complications, including the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), activation of protein kinase C, and increased flux through the polyol and hexosamine pathways—mechanisms strongly linked to the development of diabetic neuropathy [2][3]. Research suggests benfotiamine may improve symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy, including pain and neurological deficits, by reducing oxidative stress and improving microvascular blood flow [3]. Emerging evidence also supports its potential role in addressing neuropathic pain when conventional therapies are ineffective [1].

Dosage Guide

Therapeutic Doses

For treatment of specific conditions

Diabetic neuropathy300-600 mg/dayTypically divided into two 150–300 mg doses
Neuropathic pain400 mg/dayUsed as an alternative when first-line treatments are ineffective

Special Forms

Alternative forms for specific needs

Lipid-soluble thiamine analog

Enhanced tissue penetration and higher intracellular thiamine levels compared to water-soluble forms

Clinical Notes

  • Benfotiamine is generally well tolerated, but high doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • No established RDA for benfotiamine specifically; dosing is based on therapeutic use rather than nutritional requirements.
  • Monitor for potential interactions with other medications affecting thiamine metabolism or neuropathic pain pathways.
  • Long-term safety data are limited; use under medical supervision in chronic conditions.

Research

Key FindingsPubMed
1

Benfotiamine is suggested as an alternative treatment for painful peripheral neuropathy when standard therapies fail or are not tolerated.

Targeting neuropathic pain: consider these alternatives.
The Journal of family practice•2015
2

Hyperglycemia-induced metabolic dysfunction contributes to diabetic neuropathy; benfotiamine may counteract these pathways by enhancing transketolase activity.

New developments in antidepressant therapy.
The Nursing clinics of North America•2005
3

Benfotiamine modulates key pathogenic pathways in diabetic neuropathy, including AGE formation and oxidative stress, improving neuropathic symptoms.

[Pathomechanism of diabetic neuropathy: background of the pathogenesis-oriented therapy].
Orvosi hetilap•2010

Products Containing Benfotiamine(1 report)

Anti-Alcohol Complex
Anti-Alcohol Complex
Life Extension
A-
You get: 600 mgGoal: 300-600 mg

Anti-Alcohol Complex is a dietary supplement formulated to support liver health, antioxidant defense, and metabolic recovery in individuals with alcohol use or exposure. The formula features high-dose N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and benfotiamine as primary ingredients, both of which are clinically studied for mitigating alcohol-related oxidative stress and thiamine deficiency. These are supported by antioxidants like vitamin C, selenium, and glutathione precursors to enhance detoxification and cellular protection.