Benfotiamine, a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 (thiamine), supports healthy blood sugar metabolism and helps protect the body’s tissues against advanced glycation end products and oxidative stress.68 For example, the enzyme transketolase is critical to blood sugar metabolism. Like many enzymes, transketolase requires a co-factor. In this case, it needs assistance from thiamine. Unfortunately, thiamine is water-soluble, which makes it less available to the interior of the cell. Benfotiamine is fat-soluble and can easily penetrate into the inside of cells. It is also more bioavailable than the water-soluble thiamine.
In a landmark study, benfotiamine boosted healthy transketolase activity in cell cultures compared to thiamine. This robust activation was sufficient to inhibit inflammatory factors and support blood vessel health.68 Benfotiamine also blocks the activation of the transcription factor known as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), which is implicated in numerous inflammatory conditions.68
Overall, benfotiamine can activate glucose metabolism and promote healthy blood glucose levels in those already within normal range. It helps inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products, maintaining healthy endothelial, retinal, kidney and nerve cell function.69-75 Benfotiamine with Thiamine is a low-cost dietary supplement that can help maintain blood sugar levels in those already within normal range and support the health of the nerves, kidneys, eyes, blood vessels, and heart.
