Sulbutiamine Supplements: Benefits, Dosage, & Side Effects

Sulbutiamine, also known as arcalion and bisibuthiamine, is a synthetic derivative of thiamine [1]. It has been proven to enhance cognitive performance, elevate mood, and increase energy levels. 

Initially, sulbutiamine was developed as a treatment for thiamine deficiency and beriberi. However, due to its notable ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, it has found additional use as a nootropic. 

Sulbutiamine has become increasingly popular among individuals interested in cognitive enhancement due to its ability to improve memory, alleviate anxiety, and boost energy levels [2]. Additionally, its neuroprotective and antioxidant properties make it a potential candidate for preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s [3].

This article looks at the sulbutiamine supplement, analyzing its advantages, disadvantages, and recommended dosage, and discussing its connection to thiamine.

What is Sulbutamine?

Sulbutiamine is a manufactured molecule with a chemical structure comparable to that of vitamin B1 (thiamine). Sulbutiamine, also called arcalion and bisibuthiamine, is a synthetic derivative of thiamine that has the unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This allows it to increase thiamine levels already present in the brain. 

Sulbutiamine is utilized for various purposes, including treating weakness and fatigue, enhancing athletic performance, and improving memory. 

This fat-soluble vitamin is generally well tolerated but may cause gastrointestinal distress, insomnia, headaches, and agitation in some individuals. If you are looking to improve your motivation, productivity, focus, memory recall, or depression, sulbutiamine is an effective nootropic to consider.

Sulbutiamine Benefits

According to the research that has been conducted in the past, sulbutiamine can be especially helpful for:

• Improving Memory
• Improving Chronic Fatigue
• Improving Mood
• Improving Erectile Dysfunction
• Improving Athletic Performance

Let’s look at these possible applications and analyze them in more depth.

Improving Memory

It is worth noting that a decrease in choline activity within the brain has been linked to problems with memory retention. Choline is a nutrient that plays a role in the formation of memories by facilitating communication between neurons. Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the formation of memories. Choline is a building block for ACh.

A study was conducted in which the effects of long-term administration of sulbutiamine on the development of long-term memory in mice were investigated [4]. Alternatively, the research sought to establish whether prolonged administration of high doses of sulbutiamine has any impact on memory and central cholinergic function. A daily dose of 300 mg/kg was administered to the mice for ten days.

Neurochemical research that was being carried out simultaneously uncovered the fact that the treatment led to a 10% increase in sodium-dependent high-affinity choline uptake in the hippocampus.

When considered in conjunction with other research, the findings suggest that sulbutiamine helps form memories more effectively. An increase in the activity of cholinergic receptors in the hippocampal region mediates this behavioral effect.

Improving Chronic Fatigue

In regards to the treatment of chronic postinfectious fatigue, a randomized and double-blind study compared a placebo to two varying doses of sulbutiamine, ranging from 400 to 600 milligrams per day [8]. 

Throughout the trial, patients were assessed on the 7th and 28th days. Compared to those who received a placebo, individuals who received 600 milligrams of sulbutiamine experienced significantly less fatigue, reported greater self-reported vitality, and improved attention.

Improving Mood

A study conducted at the University of Wales, Swansea, in the United Kingdom, looked into the effects of thiamine supplements on the mood and cognitive functioning of people who did not suffer from depression [5].

Mood, memory, and reaction times were tracked in a group of 120 young adult females for two months after receiving either a placebo or 50 mg of thiamine daily. Those individuals with an increased thiamine status reported feeling more energized and in a better mood, with clearer thinking and greater mental composure.

Improving Erectile Dysfunction

In 2005, a study was conducted to examine the clinical efficacy of sulbutiamine in treating psychogenic (functional) erectile dysfunction [6]. 

A total of twenty patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction were administered Enerion (sulbutiamine), a psychostimulant. After 30 days, 16 of these patients exhibited signs that they were getting better. The rise from 17.5 to 24.8 points was seen in the international average of the index value for erectile function.

After receiving treatment, the cavernous arterial blood flow of three of the six patients diagnosed with arterial disorders showed improvement. 

Improving Athletic Performance

A total of sixteen thousand blood samples were tested at the Moscow Anti-Doping Center in 2009 for the presence of anabolic steroids [7].

It was estimated that the concentration of sulbutiamine in each of the one hundred samples that were gathered during the competitions was higher than 500 ng/ml. Sulbutiamine was purposefully given to athletes to take advantage of its properties, which have been shown to confer a competitive advantage on those who consume it. 

Benefits of Sulbutiamine for Cognition

The following is a list of the cognitive benefits that sulbutiamine provides:

• Improved memory
• Improves athletic performance
• Better ability to form new memories
• Increased alertness and attention
• Anxiolytic (anti-depressant)-like effects
• Helps with erectile dysfunction

Sulbutiamine has a direct impact on the citric acid cycle, which is in charge of supplying your mitochondria with adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Memory, attention, alertness, concentration, and overall cognition are all improved due to this, in addition to the function of the brain and the nervous system.

Aside from impacting the energy metabolism that occurs within the mitochondria of your neurons, sulbutiamine also influences the functioning of the neurotransmitters in your brain. It may increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), which is necessary for learning, memory, and overall cognitive function.

The neurotransmitters glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) need sulbutiamine to keep their levels at their optimal levels.

How Should You Take Sulbutiamine for Optimal Brain Function?

There is sulbutiamine available in powder and capsule form; however, most people take it in capsule form due to its bitter taste. Since sulbutiamine is fat-soluble, the most efficient way to absorb it is by combining it with one tablespoon of extra virgin olive or coconut oil. 

Most biohackers divide their daily sulbutiamine intake into two or three doses. The majority of people start with a low dose and gradually increase it as a means of improving their cognitive abilities.To fully reap the benefits of sulbutiamine, it is crucial to combine it with other nootropics like racetams or choline supplements. These substances have synergistic effects that enhance the overall impact of sulbutiamine. 

Combining sulbutiamine with other dietary supplements, such as caffeine, can also achieve the desired effects of increased energy and focus.

Some people can avoid developing a tolerance to the effects of sulbutiamine by cycling their use of the drug, which means taking regular breaks from taking it. Sulbutiamine should be taken for four days, with a break of three days between each dose.

What Is the Suggested Sulbutiamine Dosage?

It is important to understand that sulbutiamine is not a regular vitamin supplement and should not be taken excessively. Sulbutiamine should be taken at a dosage of between 200 and 800 milligrams per day, and this amount should be broken up into two or more servings. 

Having a conversation with your doctor about the appropriate dosage for your individual needs is necessary to ensure that you are taking the right amount.

If you take more than the recommended amount, you run the risk of experiencing unpleasant side effects like headaches, nausea, and dizziness. It is not recommended to take sulbutiamine together with other B vitamins, as it may interfere with the body’s absorption of them. 

It is important to be cautious and seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

What are the Potential Side Effects of Taking Sulbutiamine?

Because sulbutiamine has no known toxic effects, it is generally recognized as safe and well-tolerated. However, skin rashes and outbreaks similar to eczema are uncommon side effects that can occur when higher doses are taken. 

Additionally, sulbutiamine has been linked to causing shifts in mood; individuals who have bipolar disorder or who are taking medication for the condition should exercise extra caution.

Even though sulbutiamine should only be consumed during the day, some people find that taking it too close to bedtime makes it difficult for them to fall or stay asleep. In addition, some people who have used sulbutiamine have reported experiencing mild stimulation from its use.

Those who have a propensity to become addicted to things should use this supplement with extreme caution because it can potentially influence dopamine levels in the brain.

Bottomline

We are aware that sulbutiamine is a powerful nootropic that can potentially improve a person’s memory and energy levels, focus, and concentration. 

It does this by improving the health of neurotransmitters and increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain. Additionally, combining it with other nootropics is simple to produce an even more powerful effect.

Sulbutiamine has many positive effects on the body, including the enhancement of long-term memories, a reduction in fatigue, and an improvement in mood. In addition, it treats conditions associated with a lack of thiamine in humans.

Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.