Benfotiamine B1

What Is Benfotiamine?

It is a synthetic derivative of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. It is a fat-soluble compound that is more bioavailable than thiamine itself. Benfotiamine is frequently utilized as a dietary supplement and is purported to possess numerous potential health advantages.

One of the main reasons why this compound is used as a dietary supplement is its potential to support healthy nerve function. There is a prevailing belief that this intervention positively influences the peripheral nerves, potentially assisting in managing conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, a nerve disorder commonly associated with diabetes.

Food sources from

It is a synthetic derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1), not naturally found in foods. If you’re looking for natural food sources rich in vitamin B1, these include:

• Whole grains: Brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat bread.
• Legumes: Lentils, black beans, and peas.
• Seeds and nuts: Sunflower, flaxseeds, and macadamia nuts.
• Meats: Pork, beef, and chicken.
• Fish: Tuna and trout.
• Vegetables: Spinach, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts.
• Fortified foods: Cereals and some bread products often have added thiamine.

What Forms Does Vitamin B1 Have?

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is available in different forms. 

Thiamine hydrochloride. This synthetic form of thiamine is commonly used in dietary supplements and fortified foods. It is water-soluble and easily absorbed by the body.

Thiamine mononitrate. Another synthetic form of thiamine, it is often used in food fortification and dietary supplements. It is also water-soluble and readily absorbed by the body.

Both thiamine hydrochloride and thiamine mononitrate are converted into thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) in the body, which is the active form of thiamine that participates in various enzymatic reactions.

Benfotiamine. Although not a naturally occurring form of thiamine, benfotiamine is a synthetic derivative that is more fat-soluble than thiamine. It is converted into thiamine in the body and has better bioavailability, allowing it to reach higher levels in the blood.

These forms of vitamin B1 are often used interchangeably in dietary supplements and fortified foods. The choice of form depends on factors such as bioavailability, stability, and formulation requirements. It’s worth noting that all forms of vitamin B1 can help address thiamine deficiency and support various bodily functions.

Specification sheet reference

Benfotiamine VS Thiamine

These two ingredients belong to the Vitamin B1 family but differ significantly in their chemical structure and function.

Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for energy metabolism and nerve function. However, its absorption in the body is limited, particularly in individuals with certain medical conditions.

On the other hand, Benfotiamine b1 is a fat-soluble derivative of thiamine, allowing it to be more easily absorbed and retained in tissues. This enhanced bioavailability makes benfotiamine vitamin b1 a more practical option for addressing conditions related to thiamine deficiency, especially in people with diabetes or other metabolic disorders.

Allithiamine VS Benfotiamine

Allithiamine is another derivative of Vitamin B1, similar to benfotiamine. Both vitamin b1 are designed to enhance thiamine absorption, but they differ in their chemical composition and bioavailability.

Allithiamine is a water-soluble form of thiamine, which can be absorbed directly through the intestines. However, benfotiamine, being fat-soluble, is more efficiently absorbed and retained in tissues, making it a superior option for long-term supplementation.

Allithiamine is often used in cases of severe thiamine deficiency, while the other form is preferred for chronic conditions where sustained thiamine levels are beneficial.

Benfotiamine VS Sulbutiamine

Sulbutiamine is another derivative of thiamine, designed to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively than thiamine itself. While both are used to address thiamine deficiency, they have different primary applications.

Sulbutiamine is often used to enhance cognitive function, improve mood, and increase energy levels. For this reason, it is favored among individuals seeking to boost mental performance. In contrast, benfotiamine is more focused on supporting metabolic and cardiovascular health, particularly in individuals with diabetes or other metabolic disorders. 

Powdered Benfotiamine Vitamin B1: How To Produce It?

Chemical synthesis. Benfotiamine is prepared by chemically modifying thiamine. Specifically, a benzyl phosphate group is introduced into thiamine through an esterification reaction. This process reacts thiamine with a phenylphosphate ester compound to form a phenylphosphate ester structure, thereby producing a form with better lipid solubility.

Purification and crystallization. After synthesis, impurities in the reactants need to be removed through multiple purification techniques such as recrystallization, washing, and filtering. The purified product is usually powder or crystalline and has high purity.

Finished product preparation and packaging. The purified ingredients can be processed into various forms, such as capsules, tablets, or powders. The final product will be packaged as needed to ensure product stability and quality control.

This process makes benfotiamine highly bioavailable, especially compared to water-soluble thiamine. It is more efficiently absorbed in the human body and is widely used to treat diseases such as diabetic neuropathy.