Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B1 (fursultiamine)
For the health condition: Alcoholism

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, and its derivative fursultiamine, are scientifically validated for use in supporting and treating complications of alcoholism, particularly Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). Chronic alcohol consumption impairs thiamine absorption, storage, and utilization, leading to thiamine deficiency in many individuals with alcohol use disorder. This deficiency can cause severe neurological complications such as WKS, which presents with confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia, and can progress to irreversible memory impairment if untreated.

Numerous clinical guidelines recommend thiamine supplementation in individuals with alcoholism, especially those presenting with symptoms suggestive of WKS or at high risk. Fursultiamine is a lipophilic derivative of thiamine designed to enhance oral bioavailability and tissue penetration. While most studies and guidelines refer to thiamine (generally administered intravenously or orally), fursultiamine has been investigated as an alternative, particularly in Japan and parts of Asia, due to its pharmacokinetic advantages.

The use of thiamine for this indication is thus based on robust clinical evidence and is standard practice in the medical management of alcohol-related thiamine deficiency. However, evidence specifically for fursultiamine, as opposed to standard thiamine salts, is less abundant but supportive. Most of the benefit is attributed to restoration of thiamine levels, regardless of the specific formulation used.

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