Supplements are difficult to rate since everyone reacts differently. I bought these because some studies suggest that doses of 300-600 mg per day can help with neuropthic pain if taken for several months. I am NOT a doctor, so do your own research and get a proper medical consultation before making your own decisions.
Given the suggested dose, I was disappointed, at first, to see that I could only find doses of 100mg. This turned out to be a good thing. One of the most common side effects is stomach upset. Indeed, I tried one capsule on an empty stomach and was quite uncomfortable with pain and belching for about two hours. A few hours later I tried a second capsule with a meal (as recommended). In hindsight, I should have waited longer between doses, but I figured since it was still much less than suggested for neuropathic pain the low dose wouldn’t be a problem. I was wrong. I had less stomach issues but more lower gastrointestinal discomfort, for about five hours. At this point I was a little disillusioned because these things are not cheap and I was worried I would not be able to continue taking them.
After a little more research I learned that the side effects often disappear after your body gets used to benfotiamine. I decided to push on and see if that would be the case for me. It was. The side effects were less on the second day and after a week they do not seem to be bothering me at all. I will see if I can work my way up from 200 mg per day to 400 mg per day. As it seems that my body needs time to adjust, I am now happy that the capsules are only in 100 mg doses. Had the dose been something like 300 mg, I suspect the reaction would have turned me off completely and I wouldn’t have discovered that the side effects diminish.
It is too early to report on whether benfotiamine will help with my neuropathic pain, but since thiamine is incredibly good for you, it certainly can’t hurt.
***Update: Having taken this for several weeks now, I am impressed. I still have not been able to take more than 100 mg twice a day or it upsets my stomach. Taking it with meals helps a great deal. Even though I am taking less than suggested for improvement in neuropathic pain, there has been a notable difference. I have more feeling in my toes than I've felt in years. My walking balance has improved as a result.
| Manufacturer | Vibrant Naturals |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer reference | VN-B1 |
| Parcel Dimensions | 9.3 x 5.1 x 5.1 cm; 60 g |
| ASIN | B0C5SJ7H5Z |
