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Vitamin

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

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Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Cofactor for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve conduction.

How it works. TPP cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Treats/prevents Wernicke-Korsakoff (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 1.2 mg (general), 100–300 mg benfotiamine for neuropathy.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing.

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Alpha-GPC or CDP-choline.

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Cofactor for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve conduction.

Molecular structureC12H17N4OS+ · 265.36 g/mol

What it is

Cofactor for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve conduction.

Also called

ThiamineBenfotiamine

Food sources

PorkSunflower seedsLegumesWhole grains

Goals

Energy ProductionBrain & CognitiveGeneral Wellness

How it works

TPP cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase.

Pathways

  • Krebs cycle
  • Pentose phosphate pathway

Effects

  • +Carbohydrate energy metabolism supports

What the research supports

Treats/prevents Wernicke-Korsakoffstrong
Benfotiamine reduces diabetic neuropathy symptomsmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
1.2 mg (general), 100–300 mg benfotiamine for neuropathy
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the thiamine hcl form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users

Serious

  • Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Medication interactions

Loop diureticsmoderate

Increase urinary B1 loss.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
  • Alpha-GPC or CDP-cholineProvides choline substrate for acetylcholine synthesis.

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) — Treats/prevents Wernicke-Korsakoff ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and "Treats/prevents Wernicke-Korsakoff". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) — Benfotiamine reduces diabetic neuropathy symptoms ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and "Benfotiamine reduces diabetic neuropathy symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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