Vitamin B1 (Thiamine, Thiamin) Roles

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine, Thiamin) helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy and is necessary for the heart, muscles, and nervous system to function properly. Additionally, it aids in digestion, especially of carbohydrates, increases urine formation, maintains normal red blood count, improves circulation, and promotes healthy skin. It also reduces fatigue, increases stamina, and prevents premature ageing and senility by increasing mental alertness. Similar to other B vitamins, it is more potent when combined with other B vitamins rather than used separately.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine, Thiamin) Foods

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine, Thiamin) is found most abundantly in foods such as cereal grains (wheat germ, whole wheat) and meats (pork, fish). Good sources also include peas, beans, enriched flour, and peanuts.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine, Thiamin) Deficiency

Deficiency is more a problem in alcoholics and people with malabsorption conditions. Beriberi, a nutritional disorder caused by deficiencies in Vitamin B1 (Thiamin, Thiamin) is characterized by impairment of the nerves and heart. Typical symptoms include loss of appetite, digestive irregularities, and a feeling of numbness and weakness in the limbs and extremities. Left untreated, a gradual degeneration of the long nerves will occur, beginning in the legs, and then the arms, followed by atrophy of muscle and loss of reflexes. Also, infants breastfed by mothers deficient in Vitamin B1 (Thiamine, Thiamin) may lead to rapidly progressing heart failure.