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Taking benfotiamine supplements can help boost your vitamin B1 levels, which is essential to a healthy nervous system, and provides many important health benefits like added nerve support and optimal glucose metabolism.

If you’re considering trying out its benefits, check out our selection of the best benfotiamine supplements available in the market and see which one will suit you best. 

What Is Benfotiamine?

Benfotiamine is a synthetic fat-soluble derivative of vitamin B1 (thiamine). It’s principally involved with energy metabolism and the degradation of sugars and carbon skeletons, acting as a modulator to the advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Benfotiamine also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties caused by the inhibition of prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis.

Health Benefits

Some of benfotiamine’s health benefits include:

• Diabetic neuropathy
• Maintains cardiovascular system
• Improves cognitive functions
• Protects the liver and kidneys
• Promotes better vision
• Prevents cancers
• Boosts energy levels

Understanding the Need for Benfotiamine Supplements

While thiamine can easily be found in foods like whole grains, meat, legumes, and nuts, some people don’t get enough of it due to problems like digestive conditions, lifestyle habits, or diets that can vitamin B1 levels (and even other B-complex vitamins) in the body. 

Taking benfotiamine supplements can help supplement the body’s thiamine needs and prevent health risks linked to thiamine deficiency. 

Thiamine Deficiency & Its Effects On The Body

Thiamine deficiency can negatively affect the nervous, cardiovascular, and cognitive systems. Patients with this deficiency may experience symptoms like weight loss, memory loss, confusion, and muscle weakness. In some severe cases (beriberi), some may feel a loss of sensation in the extremities, swelling of the hands or feet, chest pains, vertigo, doubled vision, and memory loss.

This deficiency is mostly caused by eating too many foods with white flour, white sugar, and other highly processed carbohydrates.

Choosing the Best Benfotiamine Supplement

When choosing the right benfotiamine supplement, consider the following factors: 

• Potency – When looking at a supplement, always check its reference daily intake (a.k.a. ‘RDI,’ the measurements used to calculate the appropriate daily intake of a nutrient), which determines how potent the product is. However, a high-potency supplement may not always be appropriate for some users and result in strong side effects.
• Bioavailability – A supplement’s bioavailability matters, as it increases the amount of the desired nutrient your body can absorb, without taking higher doses.
• Ingredients– You may be allergic to certain ingredients used, or contain ones that aren’t allowed in certain diets and lifestyles.
• Brand reputation – Choosing a well-established brand assures you of the product’s safety, efficacy, and quality.

The Best Benfotiamine Supplements: Our Picks

1. Benfotiamine – Double Wood Supplements 

Double Wood’s Benfotiamine supplement can help boost you boost your thiamine levels to support nervous system health, Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can greatly aid with brain function and kidney health.

Being a highly absorbable form of vitamin B1, benfotiamine is converted to thiamine after ingestion and may be up to 5x more absorbable than thiamin alone, and helps boost your energy levels. 

To ensure maximum safety, potency, and quality, each production batch of this supplement is third-party tested. It’s also non-GMO, gluten-free, and 100% vegan.

Pros

• All-natural ingredients
• Vegan
• Keto-friendly
• Gluten-free
• No artificial preservatives
• Non-GMO
• Soy-free
• Ships internationally
• Free shipping
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Being a relatively new product, it only has a few verified reviews
• May cause occasional side effects

Capsule Count

120 capsules 

Dosage Instruction

Take twice daily with water, one capsule after a full meal (e.g., lunch and dinner)

Customer Reviews

The supplement proved to be helpful according to this one user review:

“I read that Benfotiamine could help heal the covering over nerves and reduce transferred pain. It appears to be working in my case. The big toe and thumb pain went away in about three days…I take it mid-day and only 300 mg. It also appears to help with energy in my workouts.” – Joseph L. Thornton.

2. Benfotiamine with BenfoPure – Doctor’s Best

If you’re aiming to maintain healthy glucose metabolism, Benfotiamine with BenfoPure can suit your metabolism needs effectively. The combination of benfotiamine with BenfoPure promotes the healthy metabolism of excess sugar in the body and helps greatly with conditions like diabetes.

BenfoPure contains leucine, which is one of the 3 essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which can be used by skeletal muscles to increase energy during exercises and workouts. The leucine content, along with benfotiamine, can enhance cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The supplement has zero allergens like gluten and soy, is non-GMO, and suits vegan and vegetarian diets. 

Pros

• All-natural ingredients
• Vegan
• No artificial preservatives
• Non-GMO
• Free from allergens like dairy and soy.
• Free shipping on orders above $25

Cons

• Can cause insomnia and other side effects in some people

Capsule Count

60 servings

Dosage Instruction

Take once daily. It’s safe to take with or without food. 

Customer Reviews

An anonymous iHerb customer shared their experience with the Doctor’s Best supplement:

“Great quality product. it really works as intended. Will definitely get more soon! Thank you so much for this. it was made of high-quality ingredients. Plus the packaging and sizes were perfect. overall good quality. I love the smell and the looks of it. I’m looking forward to purchasing another one!” – Anonymous

3. Benfotiamine – Bulk Supplements 

Bulk Supplement’s Benfotiamine powder contains a concentrated amount of this vitamin B1 derivative that helps promote cardiovascular health, improve brain function, facilitate liver & kidney health, and maintain healthy glucose levels.

Since benfotiamine is easy to absorb, it makes an excellent, all-around vitamin B supplement. You can make it into a pre or post-workout shake to boost your energy levels without the crashes and jitters, or when you’re studying to help sharpen memory and focus. 

Bulk Supplements employs stringent quality control standards set by cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices). The powder is made free from GMOs and artificial ingredients. It works best for all diet types, catering to those with wheat, peanut, and allergies

Pros

• Vegan
• No sugar
• No allergens like soy, dairy, yeast, and gluten
• No preservatives or additives
• Keto-friendly
• Gluten-free
• Non-GMO
• Free shipping on orders over $59

Cons

• Doesn’t include a measuring scooper

Amount Per Serving

• 10 grams (0.4 oz) – 67 servings
• 25 grams (0.9 oz) – 167 servings
• 50 grams (1.8 oz) – 333 servings
• 100 grams (3.5 oz) – 667 servings 
• 250 grams (8.8 oz) – 1667 servings
• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) – 3333 servings 
• 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) – 6667 servings

Dosage Instruction

Take 150 mg of the powder supplement daily. Use a milligram scale to properly measure the dosage.

Customer Reviews

One customer noted in her review of Bulk Supplements’ superb product quality and customer service:

“Beautiful product, pure and clean. Packaging is attractive and not bulky. Company response was immediate and shipping was very very quick. Love it! Happy happy customer!” – Arianna P.

4. Benfotiamine with Thiamine – Lake Avenue Nutrition

Lake Avenue Nutrition’s Benfotiamine with Thiamine supplement ensures you get an adequate amount of fat-soluble benfotiamine and water-soluble thiamine to help increase vitamin B1 levels in the body and help support healthy glucose metabolism.

Benfotiamine and thiamine, as we know, help promote healthy blood sugar levels – since vitamin B1 assists in glucose metabolism, where it serves as a cofactor for the enzyme transketolase, helping cells metabolize blood sugar. Benfotiamine also helps prevent cognitive decline, often a side effect of oxidative stress, and helps sustain cardiovascular health. 

Each production batch undergoes strict quality processes and third-party testing to ensure the best quality and efficacy. This supplement contains zero wheat, dairy, yeast, nuts, soy, sugar, GMOs, artificial colors, or preservatives, and is formulated at a GMP-certified facility and third-party tested for maximum quality.

Pros

• All-natural ingredients
• Vegan
• Keto-friendly
• Gluten-free
• No artificial preservatives
• Non-GMO
• Free from all major allergens.

Cons

• The dosage may be too strong for some people

Capsule Count

120 capsules

Dosage Instruction

Take 1 capsule daily with or without food

Customer Reviews

A customer relates their experience in iHerb on how this supplement benefitted them greatly.

“I didn’t know I needed b1 until I started taking this form. I react to most b vitamins so I can’t take multi-strain ones. I read a lot about cellular function and the importance of b1 and thought I could benefit. I have. I’ve noticed an improvement in my energy and a slight digestive improvement. I’m not saying it has changed my life but I feel as though it has enhanced my quality of life. This brand has good ingredients and if affordable so I will continue to buy.” – Anonymous 

5. Benfotiamine Multi-B – Benfocomplete 

Benfocomplete’s Multi-B Neuropathy Support Formula is specially formulated to provide nutritional support to neuropathy patients and those who need to increase their body’s B-vitamin levels.

B vitamins are vital for a healthy nervous system function and are especially effective in treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1/thiamine in particular helps repair nerve damage, relieve neuropathic pain and inflammation, and utilize carbohydrates for energy production.

Benfocomplete doesn’t just supply you with benfotiamine per capsule, it also gives you added vitamins B2, B5, B6, and B12 and folic acid, to help maintain the nervous system and target other health functions in the body.

Pros

• All-natural ingredients
• Keto-friendly
• Gluten-free
• No artificial preservatives
• Non-GMO
• Free from allergens like dairy and soy.
• Free shipping
• Easy cancellation

Cons

• Not suitable for vegans and vegetarians 

Capsule Count

120 capsules

Dosage Instruction

The brand recommends taking 4 capsules per day – twice in the morning and twice in the evening.

Customer Reviews

User AJ considers Benfocomplete as a real blessing from above: 

“I’ve been taking the Benfotiamine for several months and have felt a lessening of the discomfort in my feet. I have also found that I need to do more on my part and that is walk more. I believe this supplement is a godsend. Thank you for making it available.” – AJ

The Science Behind Benfotiamine Supplements

Experts agree and establish benfotiamine’s high bioavailability. One study, in particular, reveals that benfotiamine’s bioavailability is about five times higher than that of thiamin and almost 4 times more than thiamin hydrochloride.

Benfotiamine was found to prevent nicotine-induced vascular dysfunction. One trial‘s results showed that benfotiamine treatments can help partially restore macrovascular function in healthy smokers. It’s also shown promise in inducing leukemia cell growth inhibition among acute myeloid leukemia patients who are not eligible for standard chemotherapy.

How to Take Benfotiamine Supplements: Dosage and Safety

Recommended Daily Amount

Adults can take benfotamine in doses of 150 – 600 mg, depending on the healthcare provider’s prescription. It may be lowered in case of health problems.

Interactions

There is scant information about benfotiamine’s potential drug interactions. However, prescription medications like fluorouracil and patiromer may decrease thiamine levels in the body.

FAQ – Benfotiamine Supplements

Recap

• Benfotiamine is a lipid-soluble derivative of thiamine. It has an increased bioavailability compared with water-soluble thiamine.
• Benfotiamine supports healthy nerve function, maintains optimal glucose metabolism, and promotes cardiovascular health.
• When choosing a benfotiamine supplement, consider the supplement that has the better potency, bioavailability, ingredient quality, and brand reputation, to make your supplementation more effective and assured. 

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Health

Benfotiamine supplements help increase thiamine (vitamin B1) levels, which is key to a healthy nervous system and glucose metabolism. Much research, however, is still needed to fully establish its effects on the body.

When in doubt, always consult your healthcare providers before you consider taking benfotiamine supplements for thiamine deficiencies.