BenfoMax (Benfotiamine): Novel Support
for Nerve, Retina and Kidney Function*
Benfotiamine, S-benzoylthiamine-O-monophosphate, is a fat
soluble vitamin B1 (thiamine) derivative that has enjoyed
over a decade of popular use in Europe. In pharmacokinetic
studies, benfotiamine has demonstrated a greater absorption
rate and duration of activity compared to water-soluble thiamine.
Benfotiamine is also believed to be the better tolerated form.
It plays a role in maintaining healthy advanced glycation
end product (AGE) activity, the primary means by which it
is associated with supporting nerve, retina and kidney health.*
A number of mechanisms allow benfotiamine to moderate advanced
glycation end product activity and maintain healthy protein
structure in the body. First, it promotes optimal production
of the enzyme thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP). This in turn promotes
transketolase activity, stimulating the reductive pentose
phosphate pathway (PPP). This pathway encourages the conversion
of glycolytic intermediates, including fructose-6-phosphate
to ribose-5-phosphate. In addition, benfotiamine acts to enhance
the hexosamine pathway, which converts fructose-6-phosphate
to glucosamine-6-phosphate. Together, these pathways
promote healthy glucose metabolism and act to preserve healthy
protein integrity.*
Benfotiamine provides kidney and retina support as well by
moderating protein kinase C activity, oxidative stress and
dicarbonyl formation, actions which also help maintain healthy
glycation end product activity.*
In one six-week study, benfotiamine demonstrated positive
peripheral nerve support in male subjects. A double blind,
randomized, controlled study involving twenty-four volunteers
reported that benfotiamine contributed to healthy nerve conduction
velocity in the feet over a twelve week period. Another randomized
placebo controlled double blind pilot study involving 40 individuals,
revealed benfotiamine supplementation increased comfort and
provided statistically significant nerve support. Researchers
from the U.S., Germany, Italy, China and Japan have also collaborated
to reveal its ability to provide retinal protection. Cell
studies have also suggested its promise in maintaining renal
health and function.*
Pure Encapsulations offers BenfoMax,
a pure Japanese manufactured benfotiamine.
References:
Babaei-Jadidi R, Karachalias N, Ahmed N, Battah S, Thornalley
PJ. Prevention of incipient diabetic nephropathy by high-dose
thiamine and benfotiamine. Diabetes. 2003 Aug;52(8):2110-20.
Hammes HP, Du X, Edelstein D, et al. Benfotiamine blocks
three major pathways of hyperglycemic damage and prevents
experimental diabetic retinopathy. Nat Med. 2003 Mar;9(3):294-9.
Haupt E, Ledermann H, Kopcke W. Benfotiamine in the treatment
of diabetic polyneuropathy--a three-week randomized, controlled
pilot study (BEDIP study). Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2005
Jun;43(6):304.
Stracke H, Hammes HP, Werkmann D, et al. Efficacy of benfotiamine
versus thiamine on function and glycation products of peripheral
nerves in diabetic rats. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2001;109(6):330-6.
Winkler G, Pal B, Nagybeganyi E, Ory I, Porochnavec M, Kempler
P. Effectiveness of different benfotiamine dosage regimens
in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. Arzneimittelforschung.
1999 Mar;49(3):220-4.
Lin J, Alt A, Liersch J, et al. Benfotiamin inhibits intracellular
formation of advanced glycation endproducts in vivo. Diabetes.
2000 May; 49(Suppl1): A143(P583).
For educational purposes only. Consult your physician for
any health problems.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food &
Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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