Benfotiamine
Benfotiamine is a relative of the vitamin Thiamine (B1) that appears to have a therapeutic role in pain reduction and diabetic complications. Benfotiamine provides bioavailable Vitamin B1 after ingestion. Vitamin B1 is critical for the metabolism of our brain’s major energy source, glucose.
Benfotiamine is a and is a synthetic dietary supplement that is a fat-soluble version of B1.
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. High blood sugar levels can injure nerves and the small blood vessels that feed these nerves. Peripheral neuropathy typically affects the feet and legs, followed by the hands and arms. One-third to one-half of people with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include numbness, pain, tingling, burning sensations, the inability to feel physical injury, loss of balance, and joint damage.
Treatment starts with bringing blood sugar levels within targeted ranges. Vitamin B1 has been used for decades to treat neurological conditions, in particular diabetic neuropathy. A deficiency in thiamine is commonly noted in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of thiamine (vitamin B1) that has demonstrated improved absorption, higher blood levels, and longer-maintained blood and tissue concentrations as compared to the more common water-soluble thiamine. Once absorbed, benfotiamine is rapidly converted to biologically active thiamine. These tingling or pins and needle type sensations can often occur when you have low vitamin B1 in the presence of high blood sugar or high insulin. It's also good for the damage to your retina when you have diabetes or even as a pre-diabetic.
