Could this cheap and accessible vitamin outperform current Alzheimer's treatments?
Key Takeaways
A form of vitamin B1 (thiamine) is emerging as a safe and effective intervention for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Continued research on benfotiamine and other accessible treatments could reshape the current outlook for AD.
An ongoing clinical trial has demonstrated promising effects of vitamin B1 (thiamine) on people with early stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD).[] Physicians say the research is exciting, given the current lack of effective, inexpensive, and easily accessible treatment options.
“The FDA-approved drugs don't work very well and have some serious safety concerns,” Tzvi Doron, DO, a family physician, obesity specialist, and clinical lipidologist based in New York, tells MDLinx. “If a relatively low-cost supplement were found to have beneficial effects for prevention or treatment, it would be a boon for patients and their loved ones.”
Early results are promising
The BenfoTeam clinical trial is testing the effects of benfotiamine, a provitamin supplement that converts to thiamine in the body, in adults over 50 with early stage AD. The supplement is taken by mouth and appears to have an excellent safety profile despite raising thiamine blood levels higher than the normal range.[]
In the phase 2a clinical trial by the BenfoTeam, benfotiamine effectively raised blood levels of thiamine to therapeutic levels in participants with mild cognitive impairment.
Katia Mashni and Lena Bakovic, registered dietitian nutritionists working with Top Nutrition Coaching, offered their insights on thiamine for brain health. “Since our body cannot make thiamine, we need it through food or supplements,” says Mashni. “B1 helps the body convert carbohydrates to be used as energy, which is the main source of energy for the brain.” She notes that thiamine can be found in whole grains; fruits and vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, oranges, and kale; and proteins like eggs and nuts.
Effective supplements for brain health
Aside from thiamine, Mashni notes that other supplements for brain health include omega-3s, B6, B12, L-theanine, and acetyl L-carnitine.
According to Bakovic, “Several nutritional supplements have been studied for their potential benefit for people living with Alzheimer’s.” She notes that along with thiamine, B12 and B6 may also help reduce homocysteine levels, which are associated with cognitive decline in AD.
“Another supplement studied within this context for its role in augmenting cognitive changes is omega-3 fatty acids, found primarily in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna,” she says.
“As with any supplement recommendations, it is essential for healthcare providers to consider any potential drug-nutrient interactions, of which there are many, and provide recommendations on a case-by-case basis using their clinical judgment,” advises Bakovic.
Overall, Bakovic says she feels encouraged by the research on benfotiamine: “The ease of accessibility and lower cost of the benfotiamine for those with financial barriers is wonderful and provides a glimpse of hope for so many individuals who cannot easily obtain or afford the medications that they need to help optimize their quality of life.”
What this means for you
Clinical trials on the provitamin benfotiamine offer new hope for families dealing with the early stages of Alzheimer’s. As research continues exploring the effects of vitamins on the brain, patients may have more affordable and effective options available over the counter.