Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B1 (benfotiamine)
For the body system: Capillaries

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Benfotiamine is a lipid-soluble derivative of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and has been investigated for its potential to support capillary health, particularly in the context of diabetic microvascular complications. Scientific studies have shown that benfotiamine can inhibit pathways of hyperglycemia-induced vascular damage, such as advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation, the hexosamine pathway, and the activation of protein kinase C. These effects are relevant because chronic high blood sugar can damage small blood vessels (capillaries), leading to complications like diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that benfotiamine supplementation may reduce markers of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in patients with diabetes, which are factors associated with capillary damage. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in Diabetes Care (2006) showed that benfotiamine improved neuropathic symptoms and reduced AGE formation in diabetic patients. However, while these findings are promising, the body of evidence is still limited, and most studies focus on populations with existing microvascular complications rather than general capillary health in the wider population.

Overall, while there is scientific rationale and some human data supporting the use of benfotiamine for protecting capillary function in diabetes, more large-scale and long-term studies are needed to fully validate its efficacy for capillary support in other contexts.

More about Vitamin B1 (benfotiamine)
More about Capillaries

Other body systems supported by Vitamin B1 (benfotiamine)

Blood
Brain
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Heart
Kidneys
Mitochondria
Nerves

Products containing Vitamin B1 (benfotiamine)

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.