Thiamine (Benfotiamine) vs Vitamin C (Liposomal)

Mechanism

Benfotiamine is a lipophilic S-acyl derivative of thiamine with 5x greater bioavailability than water-soluble thiamine. Once absorbed, it is converted to thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), the active coenzyme for pyruvate dehydrogenase (linking glycolysis to Krebs cycle), alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (Krebs cycle), branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCAA metabolism), and transketolase (pentose phosphate pathway). Benfotiamine specifically activates transketolase, shunting glucose metabolites away from damaging AGE (advanced glycation end-product) formation pathways, hexosamine pathway, and PKC activation — the three major pathways of hyperglycemic damage.

Standard Dosing

150-300mg benfotiamine daily

Timing

With meals. Divide higher doses.

Cycle Duration

ongoing

Side Effects

• Generally very well tolerated
• Mild GI upset (rare)
• Skin rash (very rare)
• Garlic-like body odor at very high doses

Contraindications

• Rare thiamine allergy (more relevant to parenteral administration)

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Mechanism

Ascorbic acid is an essential electron donor and cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions. It is required for collagen synthesis (prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases), carnitine biosynthesis, catecholamine synthesis (dopamine beta-hydroxylase), and alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases including HIF-prolyl hydroxylases and TET methylcytosine dioxygenases (epigenetic regulation). It regenerates oxidized vitamin E, supports immune function via neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and lymphocyte proliferation. Liposomal delivery bypasses SVCT1/2 transporter saturation, achieving plasma levels closer to IV administration.

Standard Dosing

1000-2000mg liposomal vitamin C daily

Timing

Divided doses throughout the day (every 4-6 hours) for optimal plasma levels. Away from high-dose minerals.

Cycle Duration

ongoing

Side Effects

• Diarrhea/GI upset at high non-liposomal doses (bowel tolerance)
• Kidney stone risk (oxalate pathway)
• False blood sugar readings on glucometers
• Dental erosion (chewable forms)

Contraindications

• Hemochromatosis (enhances iron absorption)
• G6PD deficiency (high-dose IV can cause hemolytic anemia)
• History of calcium oxalate kidney stones (may increase oxalate at high oral doses)
• Renal insufficiency (accumulation risk)

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