Benfotiamine (S-benzoylthiamine-O-monophosphate) is a synthetic derivative of
thiamin, belonging to the family of compounds known as allithiamines. Benfotiamine is fat-soluble and thus more bioavailable and
physiologically active than thiamin. Characteristic of the allithiamines is an
open thiazole ring within the chemical structure of these thiamine-related
compounds, making them fat (lipid) soluble. In contrast, thiamine, which is
water soluble, has a closed thiazole ring. The lipid solubility of
benfotiamine, conferred by this open ring, increases its bioavailablity.
Benfotiamine is readily absorbed at higher doses, in contrast to absorption
of water-soluble thiamin salts, which decreases at higher doses, due to
saturation of absorption sites in the intestines. In a double-blind, cross-over
trial, comparing bioavailability of benfotiamine to that of thiamine in
12 subjects, benfotiamine caused an average 5-fold greater increase in
blood thiamine levels than thiamin mononitrate, with a concomitant greater
thiamine concentration in erythrocytes (red blood cells). Benfotiamine
readily passes through intestinal mucosal cells, where it is converted into
physiologically active thiamine. Benfotiamine inceases blood levels of
thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), the primary thiamin co-enzyme.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Cap
Servings per Container: 120
Amount Per Serving
Benfotiamine 150 Milligrams
Other Ingredients:
Modified cellulose (vegetarian capsule), cellulose, silicon dioxide.
Directions:
One capsule daily, with or without food.
