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In February of 2003, the news media broke with a story
that is now bringing hope to millions of sufferers of neuropathy and other
such problems. This news story featured a “new” chemical compound which is a
derivative of vitamin b-1. This compound is called, benfotiamine.
Benfotiamine is not new but is the invention of Japanese scientists who
patented the process in 1962. Although it has been used successfully for
over 12 years in Europe for the prevention and relief of symptoms in people
already suffering with various neuropathies, etc., it is just now being
introduced into the United States. Just what is benfotiamine? Benfotiamine (benfo)
is a lipid (fat) soluble form of vitamin b-1 (thiamine). This substance is
of the allithiamine group of the naturally occurring thiamine-derived
compounds. It is found in very small quantities within roasted, crushed
garlic and other Allium genus vegetables such as onions, shallots, and
leeks. Researchers have known for years that thiamine could help in
neuropathy, but being water soluble, not enough could be kept in the body
without having to take toxic amounts. Not true with benfotiamine. Because it
is lipid soluble, it builds up to therapeutic amounts in a relatively short
amount of time. How does benfotiamine protect the nerves in diabetic persons
and other causes of neuropathy? A recent article presented by the Advanced
Orthomolecular Research ( AOR), will give you the details. This study can be
viewed at:
http://www.emuhealthproducts.com/advancedglycation.html and should be
perused by anyone interested in the details of this compound. For the
purpose of this article, the results of the clinical trial that they
conducted showed the vibration perception threshold had improved in those
who had taken the Benfotiamine supplements, while it had worsened in the
placebo group by 5% at one site and by 32% at another. At the same time,
people taking Benfotiamine experienced statistically significant
improvements in nerve conduction velocity from the feet, even as this aspect
of nerve function deteriorated in those taking the look-alike pills! Is
benfotiamine safe? The original patent on benfotiamine gave information that
it is even less toxic than common vitamin b-1 (thiamine hydrochloride
usually). The entire European Commission of Health and Consumer Protection
Directorate General study on tolerable upper intake level of vitamin b-1 can
be viewed in .pdf format at
http://www.emuhealthproducts.com/b1toxicity.pdf. Is benfotiamine a
miracle cure for neuropathy and retinopathy? Research shows that it shows
great promise in relieving symptoms of neuropathy and possibly reversing the
progression. Common sense coupled with medically sound adherence to proper
blood sugar control, weight management and exercise gives the best chance
for success. While not a miracle, it is showing such promise that some
healthcare professionals are already stating that it will be recommended
more and more in the years to come. It is predicted to become another,
valuable tool in the treatment of neuropathy and retinopathy as well as
other conditions.
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