Can Benfotiamine Cause Hair Loss?

There’s a lot of (confusing) online chatter about benfotiamine and hair loss. Some say this fat-soluble B vitamin can promote healthy hair growth, while others report hair loss as a potential side effect. One source gives you hope; another sparks worry.

In anecdotal hair loss forums, some users claim benfotiamine is a “pro-DHT” vitamin, arguing that it can exacerbate androgenic alopecia (hair loss caused by DHT sensitivity). In the same online communities, others cite thiamine deficiency as a potential root cause of hair loss—making benfotiamine supplementation the hero of the story.

So, which is it?
Is benfotiamine a potential solution for hair loss—or could it actually contribute to the problem?

The research on benfotiamine and hair loss is incredibly limited, which is why there is a lack of continuity. In this article, we’ll share what we do know for sure.

What is Benfotiamine? 

Benfotiamine is a synthetic, fat-soluble form of thiamine (vitamin B1) that was developed in Japan in the late 1950s. Unlike regular thiamine, which is water-soluble, benfotiamine's fat-soluble nature results in significantly higher bioavailability and absorption rates.

Benfotiamine gained popularity primarily for its potential benefits in treating diabetic complications. Research suggests it may help address diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), retinopathy (eye damage), and nephropathy (kidney damage) by reducing the harmful effects of high blood sugar. 

Beyond diabetes applications, some healthcare providers recommend benfotiamine for:

• Alcoholism-related thiamine deficiency
• Nerve pain and peripheral neuropathy from various causes
• Protection against oxidative stress
• Potential cognitive benefits in Alzheimer's Disease 

Unlike regular thiamine, which has a rapid clearance rate, benfotiamine remains in the body longer, potentially providing more sustained benefits. 

Benfotiamine and Hair Loss: What We Know

The truth is, research on benfotiamine's relationship with hair loss (or growth) is extremely limited, which has allowed misinformation to circulate easily.

The Theoretical Connection

Thiamine (vitamin B1) plays a crucial role in amino acid metabolism, which supports follicle health and potentially promotes healthy hair growth. This has led some to speculate that benfotiamine, being a highly absorbable synthetic version of thiamine, might benefit hair health.

Mixed Signals in Limited Research

However, the evidence points in conflicting directions:

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• Some studies, researching unrelated conditions, reveal that benfotiamine may have hair loss side effects. 

• Many reputable companies list ‘hair loss’ on their “precaution and side effects” list.

• But officially, side effects are reportedly limited for benfotiamine.

The Bottom Line on Benfotiamine

There is no substantial evidence definitively linking benfotiamine to either hair loss or hair growth. More importantly:

• If you don't have a thiamine deficiency, supplementing with any form of B1 is unlikely to address your hair loss
• Thiamine deficiency is rare in developed countries (typically occurring with chronic alcohol abuse, certain medical conditions, or after bariatric surgery)
• If thiamine shortage isn't the root cause of your hair thinning, taking either thiamine or benfotiamine won't correct your hair loss

Rather than experimenting with supplements lacking scientific support, it's more beneficial for your hairline to seek professional hair loss consultations and pursue clinically-proven hair loss treatments.

Finding the Real Root Cause of Your Hair Loss

Before exploring supplements like benfotiamine, understanding the true cause of your hair thinning is essential for effective treatment and preventing further loss.

Let's explore the most common causes of hair loss and provide resources on how to effectively address these conditions.

Common vitamin deficiencies that do have a causal link to hair loss:

• Vitamin D deficiency - Extremely common worldwide, affecting an estimated 1 billion people. Research has established connections between low vitamin D levels and hair loss conditions, including telogen effluvium and alopecia areata.

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Read More: Vitamin D & Hair Loss

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• Iron deficiency - Particularly common in women of reproductive age. Low ferritin (stored iron) levels can trigger diffuse hair shedding even before anemia develops.

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Read More: Anemia Hair Loss

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The most common hair loss conditions: 

• Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women, affecting approximately 50% of men by age 50 and up to 40% of women by menopause. This genetic condition involves sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles.

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Read More: What is DHT? And How Can It Damage Your Hair

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• Telogen effluvium - Temporary hair shedding triggered by stress, medications, weight loss, or hormonal changes.
• Hypo and hyperthyroidism - Both underactive and overactive thyroid can significantly impact hair growth cycles, often leading to diffuse thinning.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Hormonal imbalance affecting up to 10% of women, causing increased androgens and hair loss.

Takeaway: Can Benfotiamine Cause Hair Loss? 

• While hair loss appears on some lists of potential benfotiamine side effects, scientific evidence establishing a direct causal relationship is lacking.
• Claims that benfotiamine treats hair loss are similarly unfounded, with no clinical studies supporting this use.
• There is no established scientific connection between benfotiamine and DHT production or inhibition, despite internet claims about it being "pro-DHT."
• Benfotiamine as a hair loss treatment would only make sense in the case of a deficiency. Thiamine deficiency severe enough to cause hair loss is rare in developed countries, typically only occurring with chronic alcoholism, certain medical conditions, or after bariatric surgery.

It’s important to note that hair specialists and dermatologists would not consider vitamin B1 supplementation a first-line approach for addressing hair loss.

Delaying proper diagnosis and treatment of the true cause of your hair loss (whether hormonal, genetic, or medical) could lead to progression and potentially more difficult treatment.

If you're experiencing hair loss, consulting with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis is recommended before turning to unproven nutritional supplements.

Treat Hair Loss Online with Strut

At Strut, we specialize in treating hair loss for both men and women with clinically-proven solutions. Our board-certified physicians provide thorough online consultations to identify the root cause of your hair thinning and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. 

Skip the waiting rooms and awkward conversations—get effective hair loss medications delivered discreetly to your door. 

Start your free hair loss consultation today and take the first step toward restoring your confidence and your hair.

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