[tinaanne]

About a month ago I was REALLY having a flare up and came to my friends here on the site and it was suggested that I try Benfortiamine if I had not already tried it. I hadn't heard of that one before (I take lots of different supplements and B complex injections each week) and I thought I'd give it a try. I had to order it on line, but started it right away 250 mgs twice a day on an empty stomach. It is just over three weeks now and I can't believe the difference! I can't say so much that the "pain" is better - but for those of you that are pre-diabetic like I am - the whole thought is it helps balance your glucose. So for me, so far, I feel more energetic! And I'll take that any day!! My usual life of over 10 years now with small fiber pn - is to do what I can in the am and rest most of the afternoon and then make dinner - back to resting! But I have had days where I am not resting at all till after dinner and a few days ago I went till like 8pm - decorating the house for Christmas!! Which hasn't been fun for years. Not sure what is happening but I like it. Yesterday I added Chromium which is suppose to help with glucose balance and I already take Alpha Lapoic Acid. I am really watching my diet and eating small meals throughout the day - and maybe I am on to something!! Thanks everyone for the direction AGAIN. It is here where I found Lyrica many years ago which changed everything for me -- it is here where I learned about the need for B's no matter what your test results show -- (thanks Ruth) and it is here I get all the love, support and advice I need. THANKS

[Stacy2012]

that is AWESOME!!

I had the same great results with benfotiamine. Except it kinda wore off The first month was awesome, the burning was completely gone. However as time went on the burning came back but it is sill soooooo much better with it even though its come back. I love benfotiamine.

There was something I read about niacin that I decided not to take it, and I cant remember what...and I know the dr told my mom to stop taking it too. wish I could remember why...

[en bloc]

I am considering starting this for my severe dysautonomia. However, I am concerned about reading the harmful effects of excess B vitamins...especially B6, but also negative consequences of too much B1.

Are you (and others) getting tested before starting these? How else would you know current levels and whether toxic levels might be an issue?

[mrsD]

Benfotiamine is great... I think it works well for people who have some enzyme errors in the metabolism of alcohols and aldehydes. Also it is used for carbohydrate metabolism.

It stays around in the body longer than plain thiamine does.

Here is a monograph: for regular thiamine.
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/thiamin/

[Stacy2012]

I had B12 tested though I dont know why cuz I take it anyway even though I am high.

Not tested any other B but from what I have read, there are no known sida affects from benfotiamine, though everyone is different.

I may even be deveoping an allergy or something to B12 and have stopped taking it for awhile but who knows what my skin rash is from...I just cant figure it out.

[januarybabe]

Where do you get yours? I wrote down name and asked pharmacist at Walgreens. He said they don't have it and that he never heard of it.

[Sallysblooms]

I use Life Extension brand Benfotiamine. My doctor finds the brands he likes after researching each one. Pure Encapsulations, Designs for Health and others. I get the Eye health supplement from LEF also.

[mrsD]

You can buy benfotiamine at iherb.com or Amazon.com.

Mostly online sources only. It used to be extremely expensive and hard to get. We had a fellow many years ago on the other board location who imported it from Germany, which was the only source back then. (about 10 yrs ago)

I use Doctor's Best brand. It is now affordable for most people.