A type of Vitamin B1 has been identified by researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. This Vitamin B1 type may prove to be an effective treatment form for managing one of the leading causes of blindness in the world.

In a paper that appeared in an issue of the journal Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, the researchers noted that dramatic results can be attained with a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1, benfotiamene.

Presently, the complication is treated with antibiotics or steroid eye drops.

From Sciencedaily.com:

“Benfotiamene strongly suppresses this eye-damaging condition and the biochemical markers we associate with it,” said UTMB associate professor Kota V. Ramana, senior author of the study. “We’re optimistic that this simple supplementation with vitamin B1 has great potential as a new therapy for this widespread eye disease.”

The researchers’ data shows benfotiamene works by suppressing the activation of a crucial signaling molecule called NF-kappa B, which is normally triggered by the stress caused by infection. Shutting down NF-kappa B, they said, prevents the runaway production of inflammatory proteins that generates uveitis.

Benfotiamene’s low cost, rapid absorption by the body and lack of negative side effects make it an ideal candidate for uveitis prevention, according to Ramana.

Benfotiamene is better than thiamine, which was suggested by clinical trials in this regard, and offers benefits such as improvements in terms of diabetic polyneuropathy in patients, as per Ramana.

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