Benfotiamine is synthetic thioester form of thiamin (vitamin B1) developed in Japan in the 1950’s.
Benfotiamine contains a negatively charged phosphate group, making it practically insoluble in organic solvents and exists only as the Z isomer. It was previously thought that this thioester was lipophilic though this has since been disproven. Superior stability and absorption can be attributed to its ability to rapidly break down as it passes through the small intestine and the breakdown product is lipophilic. Meaning this form has a relatively long half-life and accumulation ratio.
Technical insights:
- Country of origin: China
- Stored form: White crystalline powder