Benfotiamine
Also known as: S-benzoylthiamine O-monophosphate, BTMP, lipid-soluble thiamin, fat-soluble B1
Benfotiamine is a synthetic, lipid-soluble derivative of thiamin that is converted to thiamin in the body. Its structure lets it bypass the saturable transporter that limits ordinary thiamin uptake, so higher tissue thiamin levels are reached per milligram. It has been studied mostly in people with type 2 diabetes for nerve comfort and blood-sugar-related pathways, with randomized trials using 120 to 900 mg per day. It is a specialty B1 used in nerve-support, glucose-support, and healthy-aging formulas rather than in basic multivitamins.
Research summary
Dephosphorylated and absorbed as the lipophilic S-benzoylthiamine, then converted to thiamin and thiamin diphosphate; raises transketolase activity, which diverts glycolytic intermediates away from advanced glycation end-product formation.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 mg | 150–600 mg | 900 mg | — |
Doses are mg benfotiamine. NIH ODS summarizes small randomized studies using 120 to 900 mg/day. The BOND trial (Ziegler 2026) used 300 mg twice daily (600 mg) for 12 months in type 2 diabetes with polyneuropathy; the earlier BEDIP pilot used 400 mg/day (50 mg tablets, two four times daily) for 3 weeks. Typically split into two or three doses with meals. No UL has been set for thiamin or its derivatives. Note that benfotiamine is not labeled as thiamin for DV purposes.
Standardization: ≥98% benfotiamine
Source material: synthetic
Forms of Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benfotiamine | 150–600 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Powder | mid |
| Thiamin HCl (Vitamin B1) | 1.5–100 mg | — | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Neutral taste; fine in capsules and tablets. Rarely used in gummies or liquids.
Formulation notes
Often stacked with alpha-lipoic acid, methylcobalamin, and pyridoxal-5-phosphate in nerve-support formulas.
Sources
- Thiamin — Health Professional Fact SheetNIH ODS
- Effects of benfotiamine treatment over 12 months on morphometric, neurophysiological and clinical measures in type 2 diabetes patients with symptomatic polyneuropathy: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial (BOND study). (Ziegler D, 2026)PubMed
- Benfotiamine in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy--a three-week randomized, controlled pilot study (BEDIP study). (Haupt E, 2005)PubMed
Related ingredients
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
VitaminCyanocobalamin is the synthetic, highly stable form of vitamin B12 used in most supplements and fortified foods.
Typical: 100–1,000 mcg
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
VitaminMethylcobalamin is one of the two coenzyme forms of vitamin B12 that the body uses directly, in this case for the methionine synthase reaction that recycles homocysteine and supports methylation.
Typical: 100–1,000 mcg
Chromium Picolinate
MineralTrivalent chromium chelated with three picolinate ligands, the form used in most human trials and the best seller in blood-sugar and weight-management formulas.
Typical: 200–500 mcg
Iron Bisglycinate
MineralFerrous iron chelated with two glycine molecules, the form most prenatal and gentle-iron products now use.
Typical: 18–30 mg
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (racemic)
AntioxidantAlpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing compound that serves as a mitochondrial enzyme cofactor and a water- and fat-soluble antioxidant.
Typical: 300–600 mg