Benfotiamine is a derivative of vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. Vitamin B is found in different foods like wheat germ, legumes, nuts, bread, rice, flour, and much more. Benfotiamine is easily absorbed in the body than thiamine because it has higher bioavailability.
Taking Benfotiamine supplements can reinstate thiamin levels to prevent deficiency. The body converts Benfotiamine to thiamin, and this helps to build up the levels.
According to research, Benfotiamine improves diabetes symptoms, Alzheimer's disease, and recovery from alcohol effects. Read on to find more about this dietary supplement.
Uses of Benfotiamine
Thiamine deficiency is a rare condition, but it can happen if you don't eat whole grains. People whose diet contains highly refined carbohydrates or consume unfortified white floor are at high risk of thiamine deficiency. Additionally, strenuous exercises, alcohol dependency, or prolonged diarrhea can also cause thiamine deficiency.
Taking Benfotiamine supplement can be a great way of preventing the effects of thiamine deficiency. Some people also believe this dietary supplement is excellent for treating:
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Thyroid disease
- Sciatica and much more
Benfotiamine Health Benefits
The health benefits associated with the intake of Benfotiamine include the following:
- Diabetic neuropathy
This is a severe condition that can lead to heart disease. If the body accumulates more glucose, this can result in triosephosphate accumulation leading to diabetic neuropathy. Taking Benfotiamine supplement can prevent diabetic neuropathy.
Studies indicate that Benfotiamine prevents triose phosphates accumulation, and hence diabetic neuropathy doesn't occur.
- Alcohol dependence
Another benefit of Benfotiamine supplement is to overcome alcohol dependence. Continuous intake of alcohol can deprive your body of vitamins and essential nutrients. If thiamine deficiency results from alcohol, you will experience neurological syndromes.
Studies show that taking Benfotiamine daily can help women with an alcohol disorder. Another study indicates that Benfotiamine can ease mental distress in men who quickly drink alcohol to facilitate recovery from alcoholism.
- Alzheimer's disease
Other preclinical studies demonstrate that this supplement provides essential benefits on improving Alzheimer's disease in animals. However, they have not proven their effectiveness in human beings, and more research is needed. Another study was carried out in 2016 where five patients with Alzheimer's disease took 300mg of the supplement daily for 18 months. The results showed some improvements in treating Alzheimer's disease, but more research is needed.
- Smoking
Smoking can lead to early signs of cardiovascular disease. This is shown by inflammation or oxidative stress. Preclinical studies carried out in rats show that Benfotiamine supplement can prevent vascular dysfunction caused by nicotine. According to another tried carried on by health volunteers, the short-term use of Benfotiamine partly helped reinstate macrovascular function for healthy smokers.
Dosage
It is essential to take the proper dosage as recommended. since research is still ongoing, you should not take a high dosage of the supplement. The required dosage is between 300 mg-600 mg for enhanced cognitive function and diabetic neuropathy. However, Alzheimer's patients should take a lower dosage.
You can get the supplement in capsule or powder form. One capsule daily is enough to meet your needs. The bottle comes with 180 capsules which is enough supply for six months. The capsules are of regular size, so they are easy to swallow.
Before you start taking this supplement, it is great to consult your health provider to find out the required amount for you. Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking to see if taking the supplement can affect your medication.
Side Effects
Are there possible side effects of Benfotiamine supplement? Like any supplement, there are several safety considerations you should know. Taking Benfotiamine supplement can trigger these side effects:
- Nausea
- Hair loss
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Body odor
- Low blood pressure
- Weight gain
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What amount of Benfotiamine should I take if I have diabetes?
According to doctors, the recommended Benfotiamine supplement dosage is 150-300 mg twice a day to minimize diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain. Note that more research is still needed to back up whether the supplement is effective.
Q: How do I benefit from taking Benfotiamine supplement?
Taking this supplement can provide your body with many benefits. It boots the thiamine levels, which is essential for maintaining the nervous system. Other benefits from various research include helping with diabetes and improving alcohol dependence.
Conclusion
Research shows that Benfotiamine has potential benefits, but research is still ongoing to back up the health claims of this supplement. Having low thiamine levels can lead to different health problems. That is why research is continuing to prove that taking the supplement can help boost thiamine levels.
Since absorbing thiamine can be challenging for your body, Benfotiamine is needed. Once it gets to your body, it is converted to thiamine, and the levels build up quickly.