Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).
Vitamin B1 also called aneurine; thiamin or thiamine is included in a  complex of essential water-soluble coenzymes that participate in numerous biochemical reactions in the body. Small amounts of thiamine are stored in liver, heart and kidneys.
Thiamine is involved in carbohydrate metabolism, at the early stages of synthesis of fatty acids, certain multiple enzyme processes, production of gastric hydrochloric acid, prevention or reverse of atherosclerosis, enhancement of blood circulation, improvement of the immune system and in proper function of the heart and muscles. Thiamine is responsible for the healthy state of the nervous system, since it contributes to the synthesis of acetylcholine, a significant neurotransmitter. Adequate intake of vitamin B1 can protect from beriberi, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, cardiomyopathy and cataract. It can also accelerate healing in burns. In certain clinical cases, thiamine has been proved quite helpful in treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Studies have shown that the vitamin is associated with the ability of learning in children. There is a concept that vitamin B1 may have insect repellent properties, while excreted in the sweat. It is also believed that it can prevent travel sickness and it may act as anti-stress factor.
Thiamine can contribute to treatment of indigestion, constipation, ulcerative colitis, persistent headaches, unexplained nausea, irritability, depression, fatigue, multiple sclerosis, neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy.
Sources of vitamin B1 (thiamine).
Thiamine is found in fortified bread and cereals , brown or enriched rice, pasta, whole grains, especially wheat germ, bran, beef liver, lean meats, especially pork, egg-yolk, fish, seafood, dried beans, peas, sunflower seeds, soybeans, peanuts, brewer's yeast and blackstrap molasses.
Dairy products, fruits and vegetables are not very high in vitamin B1 but when consumed in large amounts, they can become a significant source.
Thiamine is destroyed by cooking. Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, tannins in black tea can reduce the storages of vitamin B1. Contraceptives, antacids, hormone replacement therapy may deplete thiamine. People, who are recovering from burns or infections, may need increased amounts of vitamin B1. Other conditions that may require larger intake of thiamine include excessive urination and depression. If any of the above factors is present and especially, if combined with an unbalanced diet on a long term basis, food supplements can be used as a vitamin B1 source, in order a deficiency state to be avoided. Thiamine can be found in B multi-vitamin complexes or in individual vitamin B1 preparations. Try the  button, if you want to find thiamine food supplements online.
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Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency.
As it has already been mentioned, poor vitamin B1 intake, increased demand, reduced absorption in the intestine and consumption of anti-thiamine dietary factors or medications may deplete storages of the vitamin. Depletion of vitamin B1 can occur within two week's time. Elderly and people at a meta-surgical stage are more prone to deficiency.
Very low storages of thiamine can cause weakness, fatigue, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion, irritability, clumsiness, psychosis, instability, impaired memory, insomnia, labored breathing, liver enlargement, reduced appetite, excessive unintentional weight loss, swelling, tingling or burning sensation in the limbs and nerve damage. Thiamine deficiency often occurs in alcoholics, since heavy drinking reduces the ability of the gastrointestinal track to  absorb this vitamin from foods.
The most common aftermath of chronic vitamin B1 deficiency is a condition called beriberi. The latest can result in severe muscle weakness, peripheral neuropathy, brain complications, cardiovascular problems and gastrointestinal disorders. The symptoms retreat within hours, after large amounts of thiamine are injected.
In severe deficiency, two types of brain damage can occur. The first one is called Korsakoff's syndrome and involves disorientation, apathy, confusion and loss of short-term memory. The other type is the Wernicke's disease which involves eye disturbances, mental dysfunction, unsteady gait and confusion. Alcoholism is a prominent risk factor for both conditions. Both of them can be present in the same person and can be proved fatal under certain circumstances.
There is no known toxicity associated with thiamine, since the vitamin is water-soluble and can readily excrete in the urine. In general, oral supplementation is not considered potentially toxic. However, a dosage above three grams may be toxic.
Recommendations for vitamin B1 (thiamine).
For preventive purposes, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin B1 is 1.2mg/day. For pregnant and breastfeeding women the relevant dose is 1.4mg and 1.5mg/day respectively. The above figures apply to the minimum intake, in order deficiency to be prevented.
It is likely, more vitamin B1 to be needed for optimum health. The requirement for thiamin varies and depends on the daily caloric intake, body weight, age, gender, health state and the rate of absorption within the intestine.
In general, a daily dose of 200mg is considered adequate and safe. In any case, the dosage should not exceed the 250mg per day. Otherwise, temporary side-effects, such as stomach discomfort may occur. However, this is not a sign of toxicity which occurs beyond the level of 3,000mg per day. When it comes to supplementation for children or to treatment of deficiencies, a physician's advice is required.
Supplementation of any single vitamin B for a long period of time, may lead to significantly imbalanced state of other members of the complex. Thus, a full range of additional supplementation for vitamin B complex is recommended.
People, who take certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, may need their physician's advice, before taking any thiamin food supplement, because the vitamin impairs the absorption of the antibiotic. |
