No. 075Vitamin
Vitamin
Vitamin B1
The vitamin that helps cells, especially nerves, turn glucose into energy.
- Also known as
- Thiamine, Benfotiamine
- Evidence
- Established nutrient Evidence level 5 of 5
- Key compounds
- Thiamine and its lipid-soluble derivative benfotiamine, converted in cells to thiamine pyrophosphate.
In research
Thiamine is a cofactor in carbohydrate metabolism. Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form with higher absorption, studied in the context of nerve health.
Strength of evidence
Established nutrient Evidence level 5 of 5An essential nutrient with well defined roles and recommended intakes. How we grade evidence.
What we know
- Essential for energy metabolism in nerves. Benfotiamine is absorbed far better than thiamine salts.
What we do not know yet
- Whether benfotiamine improves established diabetic neuropathy. A two-year trial in largely nerve-healthy people found no effect on nerve function.
Safety and cautions
Well tolerated at usual doses.
Evidence
Research and answers
Appraised research and plain-language answers that involve Vitamin B1.
Where you will find it
Products that contain it
Ingredient pages summarise traditional use and the direction of published research for education. They are not claims about any product and are not medical advice.
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