benfotiamine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: 

Activation of Transketolase: benfotiamine plays a pivotal role in the activation of the enzyme transketolase, which is involved in the pentose phosphate pathway. This pathway plays a role in cellular glucose metabolism and the reduction of oxidative stress. 

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Research has demonstrated that benfotiamine exhibits anti-inflammatory characteristics, potentially playing a role in safeguarding tissues and organs impacted by persistent inflammation. 

Spectrum: 

Diabetic Neuropathy: benfotiamine is perhaps most well-known for its potential to alleviate symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, a form of nerve injury that may develop in individuals diagnosed with diabetes. It is believed to help protect nerves from damage caused by high blood sugar levels. 

Neurological Disorders: benfotiamine’s neuroprotective properties have led to investigations into its potential role in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. It is believed to help protect neurons from damage and improve cognitive function. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Proteinuria 

Increased white blood cell count 

Increased pulse rate 

Sinus bradycardia, or slow heart rate 

Increased blood pressure 

Increased liver enzymes 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Allergies: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to thiamine or any of the ingredients in benfotiamine supplements should avoid its use. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution when using benfotiamine, as there is limited research on its safety in these populations. 

Medication Interactions: benfotiamine may interact with certain medications, including drugs that are used to lower blood sugar levels (such as antidiabetic medications), medications that affect kidney function, and diuretics. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider if you are taking any medications, especially those that impact blood sugar regulation. 

Kidney Disease: Individuals with kidney disease or impaired kidney function should use benfotiamine with caution, as it is primarily metabolized and excreted by the kidneys. Doses may need to be adjusted based on kidney function. 

Low Blood Pressure: benfotiamine might have a potential to lower blood pressure, so individuals with already low blood pressure should be cautious when using it. 

Surgery: Since benfotiamine might affect blood sugar levels and other metabolic processes, it’s advisable to discontinue its use before scheduled surgery or medical procedures. 

Other Medical Conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, neuropathy, or other chronic health conditions, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using benfotiamine. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

benfotiamine represents a synthesized variant of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. That has gained attention for its potential pharmacological effects, particularly its role in managing diabetic complications and other health conditions. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) Inhibition: benfotiamine has been studied for its potential to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are harmful compounds that accumulate in various tissues and are associated with oxidative stress and diabetic complications. benfotiamine is thought to disrupt the formation of AGEs and reduce their negative effects. 

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: benfotiamine may have anti-inflammatory properties by modulating various pathways involved in inflammation. It possesses the ability to impede the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a pivotal transcription factor involved in the inflammatory reaction.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

benfotiamine is lipophilic (soluble in fats) and is believed to be absorbed well in the digestive tract due to its lipid-soluble nature. This characteristic may lead to higher bioavailability compared to water-soluble forms of thiamine. 

Distribution 

After absorption, benfotiamine is thought to be distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. It crosses cell membranes and is taken up by cells, including nerve cells. 

Metabolism 

benfotiamine is metabolized in the body to its active form, which is believed to be S-benzoylthiamine-O-monophosphate (commonly known as S-BTMP). This active metabolite is responsible for the therapeutic effects of benfotiamine. 

Excretion and Elimination 

The exact details of benfotiamine’s excretion are not widely reported. It’s possible that the compound or its metabolites are excreted through urine and bile, like many other substances in the body. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

benfotiamine is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and powders. The duration of benfotiamine supplementation can vary based on the reason for taking it. Some people may take it continuously as a part of their daily supplement regimen, while others may use it for a specific period to address a particular health concern. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: benfotiamine 

Why do we use benfotiamine?  

Diabetes and Neuropathy: benfotiamine has been studied for its potential role in managing diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes characterized by nerve damage. Certain studies propose that benfotiamine could potentially alleviate pain and enhance nerve function among individuals dealing with diabetic neuropathy. 

Alzheimer’s Disease: Some preliminary studies have suggested that benfotiamine might have a protective effect against the development of Alzheimer’s disease, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

Autoimmune Conditions: benfotiamine’s anti-inflammatory effects may make it relevant for managing certain autoimmune conditions, although more research is needed in this area.