Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have identified a form of Vitamin B1 that can be a new and effective form of treatment for one of the leading causes of blindness in the world.

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

The ailment is presently 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.

Ramana said that benfotiamene is absorbed better than thiamine, as suggested by clinical trials, and has the ability to offer benefits such as significant improvements in terms of diabetic polyneuropathy in patients.