Benfotiamine
Vitamin
Also known as: Lipid-soluble thiamine, S-benzoylthiamine
B
Grade B💊 150-600 mg daily🎯 4 primary uses🔗 3 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
Levels upNutrition+50 pts
Overview
Fat-soluble thiamine derivative with superior bioavailability. Particularly effective for diabetic neuropathy and AGE reduction.
Primary Uses
Diabetic neuropathyAGE reductionNerve healthBlood sugar support
Frequently Asked About Benfotiamine
How much Benfotiamine should I take?
The typical effective range is 150-600 mg daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Benfotiamine?
With meals. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Benfotiamine with food?
Yes.
Does Benfotiamine interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include May support diabetes medications. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Benfotiamine.
What does Benfotiamine pair well with?
Benfotiamine stacks well with Alpha-lipoic acid, B-complex, and Chromium — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Benfotiamine?
Benfotiamine should be avoided or used with caution by people with None. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Benfotiamine?
Most people tolerate Benfotiamine well. The most commonly reported side effects are Well tolerated. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.
Dosage
Typical range
150-600 mg daily
Timing
With meals
With food
Yes
Duration
Benefits develop over weeks
Special Populations
Diabetics, neuropathy
Research & Studies
Search the literature now
We haven’t curated landmark studies for Benfotiamineyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.
Mechanism of Action
- • 5x better absorbed than thiamine
- • Blocks AGE formation
- • Activates transketolase
- • Protects endothelial cells
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade B
Superior bioavailability for neuropathy
Safety & Contraindications
Serious Warnings
- • None known
Contraindications
- • None
Common Side Effects
- • Well tolerated
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Consult healthcare provider
Liver & Kidney Notes
May be beneficial in diabetes
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • May support diabetes medications
🧪 Supplements
- • Alpha-lipoic acid synergy
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
- • No interactions
Stacking & Synergies
Pairs Well With
Avoid Combining With
None
Best Goal Synergies
Diabetic complicationsNeuropathy
Buying Guide
What to Look For
- • Adequate dose 150mg+
Standardization Markers
mg content
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
- • Superior to regular thiamine for neuropathy
- • Often combined with ALA
Tags
fat-solubleneuropathydiabetes support
More in Vitamin
Other ingredients in the Vitamin category.
B-Complex (Energy Focus)
Essential coenzymes for energy metabolism. Methylated forms for optimal function.
Beta-Carotene
Provitamin A carotenoid converted to retinol as needed. Cannot cause toxicity. Provides independent antioxidant benefits.
Folate
Essential B vitamin for DNA synthesis, cell division, and methylation. Critical during pregnancy.
Methylfolate
Active form of folate for those with MTHFR variants. Critical for methylation and mood.
Multivitamin (Athletic Formula)
Broad-spectrum insurance for micronutrient gaps. Athletes may need more than RDA.
Vitamin A
A fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, and skin health that the body converts from beta-carotene as needed. Beta-carotene is a plant-derived precursor that acts as an antioxidant and is safer at high doses than preformed retinol.
Last reviewed: June 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, June). Benfotiamine — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/benfotiamine
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.