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Benfotiamine was originally discovered over 50 years ago in roasted crushed garlic and onions. It is a precursor to thiamine (vitamin B1), in which the ring substructure remains open. This means that it is fat soluble and can cross cellular membranes more freely than thiamine's closed-ring structure. Once inside the cell, benfotiamine is quickly converted to thiamine pyrophoshate (TPP), the water-soluble, active coenzyme form of vitamin B1.

What is Thiamine?

Thiamine is a water-soluble B vitamin also known as vitamin B1. In its active form (TPP) thiamine is a cofactor in many chemical reactions throughout the body including many of the reactions that convert dietary protein, carbohydrate and fat into energy in our cells. Natural vitamin B1 food sources include,

• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Pork
• Fish
• Beans & Lentils
• Green Peas
• Enriched Cereals, Breads, Noodles & Rice
• Sunflower Seeds
• Yogurt

Benfotiamine Health Benefits

Improved Absorption

Thiamine requires the body to use transporters to actively move it from the digestive tract into the blood and from the blood into the cells. This means that taking more than 12mg at a time of thiamine, does not significantly increase the amount you absorb because the transport molecules are completely saturated. Benfotiamine, on the other hand, is a molecule that can bypass these transport mechanisms and directly diffuse into your cells, leaving no limit to potential absorption.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Interestingly, benfotiamine has been clinically shown to dramatically improve the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and to reduce peripheral nerve pain in diabetics. Prolonged supplementation was found to improve peripheral nerve transmission in diabetics to a level equal to non-diabetic participants, which means it improved the touch sense in their extremeties back to normal levels. It is theorized that benfotiamine protects body cells against damaging glycosylation by excess blood sugar levels. This damage occurs via the same process that creates high levels of HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) in poorly controlled diabetics. HbA1c is commonly tested in diabetics to assess long term glucose control and potential for health risks from their disease. Thus, benfotiamine can help to protect the blood vessels, retina, and nerves against damage from poorly controlled blood sugar.

How To Increase Intake Of Benfotiamine & Reduce Risk of Vitamin B1 Deficiency

All of the B vitamins work together and are best used by the body in a B complex. B complex supplements generally include vitamin B1 in its various forms. Only certain B complexes contain benfotiamine as a precursor to vitamin B1, so if you prefer this type, be sure to check the label on your supplement. The recommended daily dosage of benfotiamine is between 40 and 150mg daily for thiamine supplementation, and between 300 and 450mg daily for glycosylation protection.

Important Information & Potential Vitamin B1 Side Effects

B1 is depleted by the use of antibiotics, sulfa drugs, oral contraceptives and anti-seizure medications, like Dilantin. Heavy consumption of alcohol, caffeine and sugar decrease levels of thiamine in the body, as does increased strenuous exercise. There is no known toxicity associated with benfotiamine supplementation at this time.

Methylcobalamin is a bioavailable form of Vitamin B-12. This form tends to be more expensive to make and thereforeless often seen in multi-vitamins or B complex supplements than its counterpart cyanocobalamin. This form of vitamin B-12 is considered superior because it is easier for your body to absorb; giving you more of its benefits. 

Understanding Methylcobalamin vs Cyanocobalamin

When the cyanocobalamin form of B-12 is taken, the liver has to convert it to methylcobalamin. This conversion process requires the antioxidant L-glutathione, which can often be low in many individuals; therefore, this conversion process may be significantly impaired in individuals with liver pathologies. In cases like these, supplementation with methylcobalamin is necessary.

Key Health Advantages of Methylcobalamin

Methylcobalamin has an affinity for the liver, the brain and the nervous system. It is the form that is active in your central nervous system and strongly responsible for nervous system health. Signs of methylcobalamin deficiency in the nervous system include tingling, numbness, loss of sensation or burning sensations, muscle cramps, or diminished reflexes. For these reasons, it is commonly used to help with symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy. It is also more recently being studied for its support in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Also related to brain function, this form of B-12 plays a role in vision, particularly in improving and maintaining visual accommodation.

Methylcobalamin has been most studied in terms of its impact on sleep. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, it is thought that methylcobalamin is needed for the synthesis and diurnal secretion of melatonin. The use of this form of B-12 enhances light sensitivity, normalizes circadian rhythms and is often associated with improved sleep quality, a more rested feeling upon waking and possibly a decreased sleep requirement. There is also evidence to show that along with these findings, 24-hour cortisol levels and temperature regulation were also connected to the use of methylcobalamin.

Shopping For & Taking Vitamin B-12 Supplements

Vegetarians or vegans often require a form of B12 supplement as it is naturally present in only red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and milk products. The optimum dosage for clinical effect is anywhere from 1000-6000 mcg, although the RDI is much lower at only 6 mcg. Consult your healthcare provider to see what dose is right for you. Methylcobalamin can be taken orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble B vitamin. Vitamin B12 is required in areas where there is high cell turnover, for example, the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow and nervous system. Thus, this vitamin has been used for the treatment of neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis and depression.

Vitamin B12 Anemia

Anemia is a lack of the oxygen-carrying ability of red blood cells. B12 regulates blood cell production, along with folic acid. Lack of B12 leads to types of anemia where the red blood cells look too large, macrocytic, under the microscope. Supplementing sublingually with B12 reverses this type of anemia. 

Health Benefits of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is required for:

• Digestion - Helps maintain the integrity of the gastrointestinal lining and aids in the production of digestive enzymes. Its role in red blood cell formation ensures proper oxygen delivery to digestive tissues.
• Fertility - Supports DNA synthesis and proper cell division, which is essential for egg and sperm quality. Adequate B-12 levels help regulate ovulation and reduce the risk of certain fertility challenges. 
• Normal Growth and Development of all Cells - Supports DNA replication and cellular energy production. It works closely with folate to promote healthy tissue development, particularly in bone marrow and the intestinal tract.
• Enhances Learning and Memory by maintaining healthy nerve cells and promoting the formation of myelin, the protective sheath around nerves.
• Normalizes Sleep Patterns by helping regulate circadian rhythms by influencing melatonin production and nervous system function. Balanced B-12 levels can support healthy sleep-wake cycles and improve sleep quality without daytime grogginess. 

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms

Deficiencies of B12 may not be seen for several years because the body can store up to 5 years' worth of this vitamin. Some common signs of deficiency can include:

• Fatigue, Weakness, and Low Energy
• Pale or Yellow-Tinged Skin
• Shortness of Breath or Dizziness
• Macrocytic Anemia
• Numbness/Tingling in Hands & Feet (Peripheral Neuropathy)
• Balance Issues
• Memory Loss, Brain Fog, or Confusion
• Mood Changes/Irritability
• Heart Palpitations
• Sleep Disturbances

Vitamin B Supplements

All of the B vitamins work together and are best used by the body in a B complex, which is why many vitamin B complex supplements include a small dose of B12 in them. Most B vitamins are water-soluble, and any extra from large doses is flushed out of the body easily; therefore, it's best to take lower dosages of the B complex several times a day than one larger dose. Spray or sublingual forms of B vitamins are easily absorbed, as are capsules. If your digestion is healthy, then the tablet form is usually suitable for most people.

If additional supplementation of B12 is needed, it can be taken in addition to a B complex. Deficiency of intrinsic factor in the stomach results in the inability of the body to absorb B12. Sublingual formulas are available and are absorbed in the mouth, thereby eliminating the need for intrinsic factor. 

Methylcobalamin is a form of B12 that is available as a supplement and is easier for the body to use than cyanocobalamin.

Important Information

Vitamin B12 is depleted by sedatives, estrogen, oral contraceptives and alcohol. Anti-gout medication, anti-coagulants and potassium supplements block the absorption of B12. Vegetarians who do not consume eggs or dairy products require B12 supplementation. Diets high in protein require more B12 intake.