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enayone with experience with B1 vitamin supplements?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Saskatoon, SK

MS and Benfotiamine?

October 17
 · 
Reactions
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member I'm taking a over the counter B supplement. It's not caused me any issues.

October 19
A MyMSTeam Member

I doubt it does anything for MS imo

"Benfotiamine has been more extensively studied for diabetic neuropathy, cognitive decline/Alzheimer’s disease (including a phase II trial), and neuroinflammation/oxidative stress models. It shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (including on microglia and via pathways like Nrf2) and better tissue penetration than regular thiamine. These properties make it theoretically relevant to MS-related neuroinflammation, energy metabolism, and fatigue, but direct evidence in MS remains sparse. "

"The evidence is still early (small pilots and one observational study). It is not an approved or guideline-supported MS treatment, and any benefit for fatigue or symptoms remains unproven in larger controlled trials. It is generally well-tolerated at typical doses used for other conditions (e.g., diabetic neuropathy), but that does not prove efficacy in MS.
In short, people try it when standard options leave residual fatigue or when they want a low-risk adjunct aimed at energy metabolism and neuroprotection—not because strong clinical proof exists. A neurologist should weigh it against your specific situation and other treatments."

October 17 (edited)
MyMSTeam

Great question! Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 (thiamine) that some people with MS explore for potential neuroprotective benefits. However, it's worth knowing that research specifically on benfotiamine and MS is still very limited, so there's no strong clinical evidence yet to support its use for managing Show Full Answer

Great question! Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 (thiamine) that some people with MS explore for potential neuroprotective benefits. However, it's worth knowing that research specifically on benfotiamine and MS is still very limited, so there's no strong clinical evidence yet to support its use for managing MS symptoms.

What is more established is that B vitamins in general — particularly B6 and B12 — are among the more commonly discussed supplements in the MS community. A few important things to keep in mind before trying benfotiamine or any B1 supplement:

- Talk to your doctor first — supplements can interact with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and affect how well they work
- Get tested for deficiencies — a simple blood test can show whether a B vitamin supplement is actually needed
- Dose matters — high doses of certain vitamins can be harmful or counterproductive
- Supplements don't replace DMTs — only FDA-approved therapies are proven to slow MS progression

It's always worth bringing up specific supplements like benfotiamine with your neurologist or MS specialist, who can give guidance tailored to your treatment plan.

October 17

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