Evidence supporting the use of: Benfotiamine
For the health condition: Burning Feet or Hands

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Benfotiamine is a synthetic, fat-soluble derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1) that has been studied as a treatment for symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, including burning sensations in the feet and hands. Peripheral neuropathy is commonly associated with diabetes and can manifest as burning pain, tingling, and numbness, particularly in the extremities. Several clinical trials and observational studies have investigated the effects of benfotiamine supplementation in patients with diabetic neuropathy. For instance, randomized controlled trials (e.g., Haupt et al., 2005; Stracke et al., 2008) have reported improvements in neuropathic symptoms, including reductions in pain, burning, and paresthesia, in patients taking benfotiamine compared to placebo. The proposed mechanism involves benfotiamine’s ability to increase intracellular thiamine pyrophosphate levels, thereby enhancing glucose metabolism and reducing the accumulation of harmful metabolic byproducts that contribute to nerve damage. While the evidence is promising and suggests a moderate benefit, most studies focus on diabetic neuropathy rather than burning sensations from other causes. Furthermore, many studies are small and of short duration, so larger and longer-term trials are needed for definitive conclusions. Overall, the use of benfotiamine for burning feet or hands—primarily when related to diabetic neuropathy—is supported by moderate-quality scientific evidence, justifying a mid-range evidence rating.

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