In the labyrinth of nutritional supplements, two formidable contenders emerge in the realm of nootropics and neuroprotective aids – Sulbutiamine and Benfotiamine. What are they? Sulbutiamine VS Benfotiamine, which one is better? How to choose them in the most suitable way? Today, Nutri Avenue will talk about these two supplement ingredients to answer such questions.
Sulbutiamine VS Benfotiamine: What Are They?
Before conducting a comparative analysis of Sulbutiamine and Benfotiamine, let’s first take a look at vitamin B1.
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is the earliest water-soluble vitamin to be purified. It is mainly found in the outer coat and germ of seeds, such as rice bran and bran. Its content is very rich. In addition, it is also extremely abundant in yeast. Thiamine is composed of a pyrimidine ring and a thiazole ring. It is involved in sugar metabolism in the body.
Thiamine often occurs in the form of its hydrochloride salt, ammonium sulfate hydrochloride. Its molecular formula is C12H17ClN4OS·HCL, and its molecular weight is 337.29g/mol. Ammonium sulfate hydrochloride appears as a white crystalline powder. It has a slight odor, a bitter taste, and deliquescent properties. It is easily soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in ether and benzene.
However, the sulbutiamine and benfotiamine we will discuss today are both modified forms of thiamine. They are designed to increase their bioavailability and efficacy.
What Is Sulbutiamine?
Sulbutiamine, or thiamine lipoate, is a synthetic derivative of thiamine. Its molecular formula is C32H46N8O6S2, and its molecular weight is 702.88g/mol. The CAS number is 3286-46-2. The appearance of Sulbutiamine is white to yellow-white fine crystalline powder. The purity of this ingredient is generally 98.5-101.0%. It has a slight smell and is slightly bitter. It is soluble in ethanol but almost insoluble in water.
It is known for its remarkable ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This unique property increases thiamine levels in the brain, making sulbutiamine an option for fighting fatigue and enhancing cognitive function. It aids digestion, especially the digestion of carbohydrates. Medically, it relieves pain associated with dental procedures and aids in treating shingles.
What Is Benfotiamine?
Benfotiamine appears as a white crystalline powder. Its general purity is 98-102%. Its molecular formula is C19H23N4O6PS, and its molecular weight is 466.45g/mol. CAS number is 22457-89-2.
Benfotiamine is another thiamine derivative with a different function. In addition to its different physical and chemical properties from vitamin B1, benfotiamine is structurally different from it in that it has an open thiazole ring. It forms physiologically active vitamin B1 through closed-loop action in the body.
Unlike its counterpart, sulbutiamine, benfotiamine is fat-soluble. It enhances absorption and utilization in the body. In addition to its role in supporting overall neurological health, it is also known for its potential antioxidant properties. This ingredient protects cells from oxidative stress. Its impact extends to blood glucose regulation and management of diabetic complications.
Sulbutiamine VS Benfotiamine: What’s The Difference?
Although both sulbutiamine and benfotiamine are derivatives of vitamin B1, they have several obvious differences.
First, sulbutiamine primarily focuses on energy enhancement and cognitive function. On the other hand, Benfotiamine targets nerve health and addresses peripheral neuropathy.
Secondly, sulbutiamine is a synthetic derivative of VB1. It has the unique ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. It supports increased thiamine levels in the brain. As such, it is known for improving alertness, mental clarity, and overall cognitive abilities. Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble compound. It helps enhance absorption and utilization and is especially beneficial for nerve-related issues.
Finally, regarding antioxidant properties, sulbutiamine has limited evidence in this area. Benfotiamine has potential antioxidant effects. It protects cells from oxidative stress.
Sulbutiamine VS Benfotiamine: Which One Is Better?
After ingesting benfotiamine, the maximum blood concentration of vitamin B1 is approximately five times higher than after ingesting vitamin B1. Its maximum bioavailability is approximately 3.6 times that of ingested vitamin B1. Also, it is higher than other fat-soluble vitamin B1 derivatives. Human and animal studies demonstrate that benfotiamine is more bioavailable and bioactive than water-soluble forms of the vitamin. Therefore, Benfotiamine is better than Sulbutiamine.
Conclusion
Sulbutiamine VS Benfotiamine: How To Choose?
From the perspective of product demand, if the product focuses on improving cognitive abilities, fighting fatigue, and boosting mood, sulbutiamine may be a better choice. Conversely, if the product focuses on nerve health, peripheral neuropathy, and antioxidant benefits, then benfotiamine may be more appropriate.
Nutri Avenue offers Vitamin B1 powder in bulk at wholesale price. Welcome to contact us to get more product information, like COA, and the latest quotation.
