Evidence supporting the use of: Sulbutiamine
For the health condition: Dementia

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sulbutiamine is a synthetic derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1) that was originally developed in Japan to treat asthenia (physical weakness). Its potential use in supporting or treating dementia has been explored in a limited number of studies, primarily due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively than thiamine itself. The rationale for its use in dementia is based on the observation that thiamine deficiency is associated with cognitive impairment and that thiamine supplementation can benefit conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a dementia-like disorder due to thiamine deficiency.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting sulbutiamine's efficacy in treating or preventing dementia is sparse. A handful of small clinical studies and animal experiments have suggested possible cognitive-enhancing effects, particularly in memory and attention, but these studies often involve healthy subjects or those with fatigue rather than diagnosed dementia. There are few, if any, robust, large-scale clinical trials specifically addressing its impact on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Most reviews and expert opinions in the scientific literature acknowledge the theoretical basis for sulbutiamine's use but conclude that the evidence for efficacy in dementia is weak or inconclusive at this time.

In summary, while there is some scientific interest and preliminary evidence, the overall scientific support for using sulbutiamine in dementia is limited, and its use is not widely endorsed in clinical guidelines for this condition.

More about Sulbutiamine
More about Dementia

Products containing Sulbutiamine

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.