Sulbutiamine is a highly fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 which is used clinically for the treatment and prevention of asthenia (ie. unexplained fatigue). Since it is fat-soluble, it can more easily cross the blood-brain barrier, which is not permissive to regular vitamin B1 (thiamine). Crossing the blood-brain barrier is crucial for sulbutiamine to exert neuroprotective effects which are hypothesized to be at the root of its ability to improve basal energy levels. People who suffer from low basal energy metabolism often exhibit low motivation due to the high metabolic needs of the brain during focused effort.
Sulbutiamine was developed in Japan in the mid-60’s. Since then, a variety of distinct indications have been proposed. For instance, there is evidence that sulbutiamine combats fatigue, functions as a nootropic, and exerts antioxidant effects. As a result, sulbutiamine has been utilized in sports nutrition as a dietary supplement (although it may provide an unfair advantage). Moreover, this molecule has been proposed as a possible help for some fungal infections and even for certain types of cancer. Despite these potential indications, sulbutiamine is still relatively mysterious in medical research. Regardless, there is obviously enormous potential for sulbutiamine use beyond low thiamine. Recently, new mechanisms of action have been found, bolstering the hope for its success with a variety of health conditions.