Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Converts carbohydrates into cellular energy and supports acetylcholine synthesis for healthy nerve and brain function.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) was the first B vitamin discovered and is essential for converting carbohydrates into energy. It's particularly important for nervous system function and is required for the synthesis of acetylcholine. Deficiency causes beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Benfotiamine, a fat-soluble form, has enhanced bioavailability and is used for neuropathy and advanced glycation protection.
Converts carbs to usable energy
Essential for nerve signal transmission
Reduces advanced glycation end products
How Thiamine works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
50-100mg daily; 150-600mg benfotiamine for neuropathy
Loading: Not typically required
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Benfotiamine (fat-soluble, higher bioavailability) | Recommended |
| 💊Thiamine HCl (standard) | Alternative |
| 💊Thiamine Mononitrate | Alternative |
| 💊Sulbutiamine (crosses BBB) | Alternative |
Benfotiamine is preferred for neuropathy and AGE protection. Sulbutiamine has nootropic effects but may require cycling.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Standard thiamine is water-soluble. Benfotiamine is fat-soluble and should be taken with a meal containing fat.
Improved energy from food metabolism
Supports healthy nerve function
May reduce diabetic neuropathy symptoms
Benfotiamine well-studied for diabetic neuropathy protection
Higher doses often needed; alcohol depletes thiamine
May increase thiamine excretion
Thiamine may help improve digoxin response in deficient patients
Tip: Discontinue if symptoms occur
Tip: Take with food
Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers
Pattanittum P et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2016)
“There is no high quality evidence to support the effectiveness of any dietary supplement for dysmenorrhoea, and evidence of safety is lacking.”
Harrison CN et al. • The Lancet. Haematology (2024)
“Findings from FREEDOM2 support fedratinib as a second-line Janus kinase inhibitor option to reduce spleen size after ruxolitinib failure or intolerance in patients with myelofibrosis, and shows effective strategies for management of gastrointestinal adverse events and low thiamine concentrations through prophylaxis, monitoring, and treatment.”
Nakanishi N et al. • Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (2024)
“Although thiamine administration may reduce shock state, it may not reduce mortality, and slightly increases the length of ICU stay.”
Deng J et al. • International archives of allergy and immunology (2024)
“HAT appears beneficial in reducing vasopressor use and improving organ function in sepsis/septic shock patients.”
Monfort J et al. • Nutrients (2024)
“Regarding pain, however, although there was a numerical improvement, it did not reach statistical significance.”
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