Benfotiamine Supplement: Potential Benefits Of Vitamin B1

Leslie Benson

Benfotiamine-Supplement-Vitamin-B1-BenefitSome dietary supplements have a primary health potential while other supplements have a broad spectrum of possible benefits. Benfotiamine is a synthetic B-1 vitamin that has been shown to support thiamine levels in blood and the liver. By being fat-soluble, a benfotiamine supplement is able to cross cell membranes efficiently and maintain thiamine in the bloodstream better than the water-soluble form of vitamin B1. Benfotiamine is an example of a supplement that may be taken by itself or as part of a complex vitamin. For example, some benfotiamine supplements are available with the other B vitamins, such as B6 and B12. Vitamin B6 aids enzymes in protein metabolism and is essential for red blood cell metabolism. Vitamin B12 supports signaling in the central nervous system and red cell production. A benfotiamine supplement may help fill nutrition gaps that can occur from a nutrition deficiency, may support several biological processes in the body, and support the circulatory and central nervous system.

Support for Cellular Development And Nervous System Support

As the building blocks of the body, cellular development is essential to the body. Poor nutrition and environmental toxins can lead to a disruption in DNA, RNA, and cellular development. A benfotiamine supplement is one way to help fill nutrition gaps and support normal body function. Thiamine is essential for carbohydrate metabolism. It helps turn dietary carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar). Glucose is the fuel cells use for energy. Additionally, thiamine helps make thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), which is a co-factor used by enzymes to help perform multiple biochemical reactions in the body. Thiamine also promotes signaling in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Researchers are also studying how benfotiamine may support a healthy central nervous system and the effects on advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). AGEs are protein or fat cells that become oxidized when exposed to sugars. In a study with benfotiamine and the stages of retinopathy, research notes that the anti-AGE property of benfotiamine certainly makes it effective for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. Additionally, another study sought to determine what role benfotiamine could play in polyneuropathy treatment. Test subjects were given benfotiamine in combination with vitamin B6. Researchers found A significant reduction of subjective complaints. This study indicates benfotiamine may offer temporary relief for occasional pain.

Support for a Healthy Circulatory System

Another area of the body that thiamine supports is the circulatory system. A healthy circulatory system needs a proper functioning heart, lungs and blood vessels. Glucose provides energy to cardiac muscles, which is essential for the normal contraction of the heart's chambers and blood circulation. When glucose no longer enters cells, a disruption of normal cardiovascular function may occur. To address potential issues, clinical research is studying the impact of thiamine on glucose disorders. One study notes that a one-month thiamine administration saw a decrease in glucose and leptin concentrations in patients with type-2 diabetes. Such research indicates that a thiamine supplement may help to maintain blood sugar levels. However, research of this kind is limited in scope and does not provide definitive evidence that a benfotiamine supplement is an optimal treatment method. A benfotiamine supplement may also help blood sugar levels already in a normal range. In the development of glucose related disorders, disruptions to several chemical reactions can occur to pathways that are essential for glucose metabolism. Benfotiamine has been shown to support this metabolism by supporting transketolase activators. Transketolase, which needs thiamine to function, is an enzyme necessary for energy metabolism and the normal glucose regulation. The potential benefits of a thiamine-related supplement, especially one with the bioavailability of Benfotiamine, are many. Benfotiamine has been shown to support different body systems like the circulatory system and the central and peripheral nervous systems.
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About the Author

Leslie Benson

A Midwest-raised journalist and content marketing specialist living in Nashville, Tennessee, Leslie has been a natural health advocate for over 10 years. She is the Senior Content Marketing Manager of Renew Wellness Brands, which is the parent company of NHC. When she’s not at the local farmers’ market, you can find her writing songs and snuggling with her pets.

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