5 Sulbutiamine (Arcalion) Benefits + Dosage, Side Effects

Sulbutiamine is a fat-soluble derivative of thiamine. It is considered an energy booster and is used in France to reduce fatigue. It may also stimulate digestion, boost memory, and protect the brain, but the research is limited. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of sulbutiamine, dosage, and possible side effects. Japanese scientists developed sulbutiamine in the 60s while exploring treatments for thiamine deficiency. Some brand names for this compound are Enerion and Arcalion [ 1 ]. Sulbutiamine is synthetically produced by binding two thiamine (vitamin B1) molecules together. Sulbutiamine is more fat-soluble than thiamine, allowing it to pass to the brain easier (cross the blood-brain barrier) [ 2 ]. Sulbutiamine increases thiamine in the brain more than other forms of thiamine [ 3 , 4 ]. Proponents: Reduces fatigue May improve cognition May protect the brain and nerves May stimulate digestion Most uses lack clinical evidence Long-term safety is unknown May Increase thiamine (and thiamine derivative) levels more than thiamine itself [ 1 ]. Increases dopamine (D1) and glutamate activity in decision-making regions of the brain (such as the prefrontal cortex) [ 5 , 6 ]. Increases energy use in the brain (by increasing thiamine triphosphate) [ 4 ]. In a study of 1,772 patients with infections and chronic fatigue , sulbutiamine (along with anti-infective treatment) helped with low energy. Fifty-two percent of the patients felt a significant boost in mood and energy [ 10 ]. 326 patients with chronic fatigue (post-infection) were treated with sulbutiamine or a placebo. Some individuals felt an energy boost from sulbutiamine, but the results were not significant [ 11 ]. Sulbutiamine reduced fatigue by 44% in 341 patients with chronic fatigue, but this study lacked a placebo control [ 12 ]. In another uncontrolled study of 40 participants, sulbutiamine treatment […]

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