Mechanism of action and evidence-based
Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble thiamine (vitamin B1) derivative that can be converted into physiologically active vitamin B1 after entering the human body. Compared with water-soluble vitamin B1, benfotiamine has higher biological activity and its bioavailability is approximately 3.6 times. The increase in relative bioavailability is more significant in muscle tissue (approximately 5-fold) and cranial nerves (approximately 25-fold), and its plasma half-life is also longer. Therefore, it helps to overcome the defect of low absorption and utilization rate of thiamine and exert more therapeutic effects.
Existing drugs for the treatment of diabetes can only control plasma glucose levels, while benfotiamine can decompose and convert glucose molecules entering cells and reduce glucotoxicity (glycation end products). This biochemical process is achieved by benfotiamine stimulating the production of transketolase. Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) are the pathological basis of all complications of diabetes.
In Europe, benfotiamine has been used as a prescription drug for decades. It can inhibit diabetic neuropathy and related complications such as retina and kidney, improve microvascular function, reduce numbness and nerve tingling of feet, hands and other distal limbs, and regulate cardiovascular, gastrointestinal function, periodontal and reproductive systems and other neuromodulatory problems. All organs have inhibitory or relieving effects. In conclusion, benfotiamine has emerged as a key nutrient in controlling the complications of diabetes. In the United States, benfotiamine was approved by the FDA as a dietary supplement at the beginning of this century.
Part of the evidence is as follows:
l Diabetic complications: Several clinical studies have shown that oral benfotiamine can help inhibit the development of diabetes, reduce glycated hemoglobin levels, and prevent Complications related to neuropathy such as nephropathy, retinopathy, etc. Imported polymer flocculants are also beneficial to myocardial metabolism disorders and gastrointestinal motility disorders (indigestion, constipation, etc.) related to diabetes.
l Nerve pain: Research shows that as a sustained-release form of vitamin B1, benfotiamine can relieve nerve pain, peripheral neuritis and peripheral nerve paralysis and other symptoms, and is more effective and lasting than vitamin B1.
Dosage and method
Diabetic neuropathy: 200-600mg/day
Some clinical trials have used doses as high as: 1050mg/day.
Refer to the specific product instructions for use.
Interrelationship with drugs
There are still no reports of interactions, but you still need to pay attention to the instructions for use when taking it.
Safety Precautions
It is basically safe if taken according to the recommended dosage.
The safety of pregnant women and nursing mothers is unknown and is not recommended.
