What Is Benfotiamine?

Benfotiamine is a dietary supplement. It is used to treat diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain) and Alzheimer's disease.

Benfotiamine is a lab-created version of thiamine (vitamin B1). Your body absorbs it better than natural B1. So some people use it to raise thiamine levels.

This article looks at the uses and possible side effects of benfotiamine, how to take it, and what to look for when buying it.

What Is Benfotiamine Used For?

Thiamine deficiency is rare in the United States.

You may be at risk if your diet is:

• High in refined carbohydrates (like white rice)
• High in unfortified white flour products
• Low in whole grains

Medical conditions that may put you at risk include:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Crohn's disease
• High alcohol use
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid disease)

Regular strenuous exercise also raises your risk.

Low thiamine can lead to nerve, heart, and brain conditions. Benfotiamine can boost thiamin levels and help prevent these effects.

Some research suggests benfotiamine may block the harmful effects of glycotoxins. Those are found in high-fat meats.

Glycotoxins trigger inflammation. They may also speed up some aging-related degenerative diseases.

This supplement is also touted as a treatment for:

• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Non-diabetic neuropathy
• Sciatica
• Thyroid disease

Little research exists to support these uses.

Some research supports its use for diabetic neuropathy and Alzheimer's disease.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetes involves high blood sugar levels, which can damage blood vessels and cause diabetic neuropathy.

Symptoms of neuropathy include:

• Pain or diminished sensation in the feet
• Burning or shooting pains in the lower legs
• Balance and coordination problems

In one study, people with type-2 diabetes took 1,050 milligrams (mg) of benfotiamine a day. Then they ate meals high in glycotoxins. Benfotiamine appeared to protect against the glycotoxins' effects.

Another study tested two doses of benfotiamine (300 and 600 mg a day). Researchers noted a small improvement in neuropathy symptoms. The higher dose was more effective.

But not all research has been positive.

• A short study found it didn't significantly lower the impact of high blood sugars.
• A two-year study on type-1 diabetes found no significant effects on nerve function or inflammation.

More research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease.

Symptoms include:

• Progressive memory loss
• Poor judgment
• Misplacing things
• Getting lost
• Mood and personality changes

AD symptoms are believed to involve abnormal clumps of proteins in the brain. They're called amyloid plaques. Those features may be linked to processes in your body that rely on thiamine. But thiamine supplements have been found ineffective for slowing disease progression or reducing symptoms.

Benfotiamine drew attention because it's easier for your body to use. In an animal study, it appeared to lower numbers of amyloid plaques and improve brain function.

In a small 2016 study, people with AD took 300 mg of benfotiamine a day for 18 months. They all had some cognitive improvement.

These results suggest benfotiamine may be a helpful AD treatment. More research is needed, though.

Possible Side Effects

Little is known about the long-term safety of benfotiamine.

It may cause side effects such as:

• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Hair loss
• Weight gain
• Body odor
• Decrease in blood pressure

A 2017 review reported no side effects when benfotiamine was given to people with various conditions. Doses ranged from 300 mg to 900 mg per day.

In one study, several people reported nausea and indigestion when they reached about 7,000 mg a day.

While your body converts benfotiamine into thiamine, the effects may not be the same.

The safety of supplements hasn't been established for: 

• Pregnant women
• Nursing mothers
• Children
• Those with medical conditions
• Those taking medications

Dosage and Preparation

No safe or effective dosage recommendations have been established for benfotiamine as a treatment for any condition.

Some neuropathy and AD studies have used dosages between 300 mg and 600 mg. Others have been as high as 1,050 daily mg without significant problems.

If you want to try benfotiamine supplements, talk to your healthcare provider. They can guide you on whether it's safe for you and guide you regarding dosage.

While few side effects have been reported, extremely high doses aren't advised.

What to Look For

Benfotiamine supplements are widely available online and in stores specializing in supplements.

When choosing one, review the Supplement Facts label. It'll tell you about any fillers, binders, or flavorings. It also says how much of the active ingredient it contains.

Look for a seal of approval from a third-party quality-testing organization. A major one is ConsumerLab. This ensures the product contains the listed ingredients and no harmful contaminants. A seal of approval doesn't guarantee the product's safety or effectiveness.

Summary

Benfotiamine can treat thiamine deficiency. It may help with diabetic neuropathy and Alzheimer's disease. More research is needed, though.

Side effects are possible, but they've been rare in studies. Official dosages aren't established. Check with your healthcare provider before taking benfotiamine.