Lipid-soluble thiamine prodrug. Hydrolysed by intestinal alkaline phosphatase to S-benzoylthiamine, which diffuses passively across membranes — bypasses the saturable SLC19A2/A3 transporter that limits thiamine HCl absorption at high doses. Achieves ~5× higher RBC/tissue thiamine than equivalent HCl. Activates transketolase, redirecting triose phosphates away from AGE precursors.
Half-Life (t½)
PO: 5h
Dosing Guidelines
PO: Typical 200 mg (Range: 150–300 mg)
Target Organ Systems
digestive
immune-hematologic
Interactions
Thiamine (B1) (synergistic): Benfotiamine converts to thiamine in vivo — no duplication needed; benfotiamine is the higher-bioavailability form.