What Does Benfotiamine Do For The Body?

What if I tell you that there is one vitamin that every diabetic must have in their routine? Benfotiamine is an important vitamin B1 derivative that every diabetic should take every day.

In this article, we will discuss what benfotiamine is, how it works, what it does for the body and how to take it. We will also explore the potential benefits of benfotiamine for diabetics and any potential side effects associated with the supplement.

What is Benfotiamine?

Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of thiamine or vitamin B1. It is a synthetic derivative of thiamine which is found naturally in many foods including grains, legumes, nuts and pork. Benfotiamine was first created in Japan in the 1950s and it has since been used as a dietary supplement to support healthy glucose metabolism. The most common use of benfotiamine is to support healthy glucose levels in people with diabetes.

However, it has also been studied for a number of other potential benefits, including protecting the kidneys and liver from the damaging effects of high blood sugar, supporting cognitive function and protecting the eyes from certain types of vision loss. Overall, benfotiamine is a powerful supplement that has many potential benefits for people with diabetes and other conditions related to elevated blood sugar levels.

How Does Benfotiamine Work?

Benfotiamine is used to treat a range of conditions related to diabetes, nerve damage, kidney disease and more. But how exactly does Benfotiamine work? The primary way Benfotiamine works is by preventing the breakdown of glucose in the body. It does this by blocking the enzyme responsible for breaking down glucose, known as transketolase. By blocking this enzyme, Benfotiamine helps to keep glucose levels at a healthy level.

Benfotiamine also helps to protect cells from damage caused by high blood sugar levels. It does this by preventing the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which are aggregated molecules that are produced when glucose binds with proteins. AGEs can damage cells and cause inflammation which can lead to a range of health problems.

By blocking the formation of AGEs, Benfotiamine helps to protect cells from this damage. Finally, Benfotiamine helps to reduce oxidative stress which is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. By helping to reduce oxidative stress, Benfotiamine helps to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.

In summary, Benfotiamine works by blocking the breakdown of glucose, preventing the formation of AGEs and reducing oxidative stress. This helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and protect cells from damage which can help to treat a range of conditions related to diabetes, nerve damage and other health issues.

Can Benfotiamine Benefit Diabetics?

Studies have shown that supplementing with benfotiamine may reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness. Additionally, it may help reduce levels of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) associated with the progression of diabetic complications. More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of benfotiamine for diabetics but the initial studies are promising.

Are There Any Side Effects from Taking Benfotiamine?

When considering whether to take benfotiamine, it is important to note that there may be some potential side effects. While many people have experienced positive results from taking benfotiamine, it is still important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement. Common side effects reported by individuals taking benfotiamine include:  

• Mild digestive disturbances
• Headaches
• and skin rashes

Additionally, in rare cases some people have experienced an allergic reaction to benfotiamine so it is important to speak with your doctor about any potential risks before taking this supplement.

How to Take Benfotiamine

When taken as a supplement, benfotiamine can be taken orally or injected. Oral administration is the most common way to take benfotiamine and is usually done with a pill or capsule. For individuals with diabetes, one of the benefits of taking benfotiamine orally is that it can help control blood glucose levels.

For people with diabetic retinopathy or those at risk of developing the condition the dose of benfotiamine is typically higher than that used to treat peripheral neuropathy. Generally speaking, people with diabetic retinopathy should take between 300-500 mg/day of benfotiamine orally.

In rare cases, people may need to take benfotiamine as an injection which is a more direct way to deliver the vitamin to the body. For example, a doctor may prescribe this route of administration if the patient is unable to take feed orally.

In general, people should always follow their doctor’s instructions when taking benfotiamine as the dosage and route of administration can vary widely depending on individual needs. It is also important to consult with a health care provider before taking any supplements as some people may be allergic to certain ingredients or may have a condition that would contraindicate benfotiamine use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of thiamine (vitamin B1) and is known to offer powerful health benefits to the body such as supporting healthy blood sugar levels, nerve and eye health and more. It works by blocking certain pathways in the body which are responsible for the formation of advanced glycation end products which lead to inflammation and damage to cells and other tissues.

Diabetics may benefit from taking Benfotiamine as it may help control high blood sugar levels and provide protective effects to the vascular system. Although most people do not experience any side effects while taking Benfotiamine some have reported minor stomach discomfort. It is important to seek your doctor's advice prior to taking this supplement and follow the recommended dosage.

About The Author

Meet Dr. Ahmet Ergin a highly skilled and dedicated endocrinologist with a passion for diabetes care. Dr. Ergin’s journey in the medical field began with earning his medical degree with honors from Marmara University School of Medicine in Istanbul Turkey.

He then went on to complete his internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic one of the top medical centers in the United States located in Cleveland Ohio. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in his field Dr. Ergin is board-certified in Internal Medicine Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism making him a respected and highly qualified physician.

He is also a certified diabetes education specialist author of the book “The Ultimate Diabetes Book” and the founder of the SugarMD YouTube channel where he shares valuable insights and information on diabetes management and care. Currently Dr. Ergin practices in Port Saint Lucie FL where he provides exceptional care to his patients and helps them to effectively manage their diabetes.

It is important to note that the information on diseases and treatments provided on this website is for general guidance only and should never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician health provider or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your health.