Thiamine: Vitamin B1 and Your Health

Thiamine: Vitamin B1 and Your Health
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Introduction

Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is part of the B-vitamin complex. Vitamins are generally divided into two major categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. The B-vitamin complex is water soluble.

Thiamine: History

In 1910, Umetaro Suzuki of Japan discovered what later became known as thiamine. Donath and Jansen synthesized thiamine in 1926. Robert Williams, in 1935, noted its chemical synthesis and composition. He is credited with naming it “thiamine.”

The Recommended Daily Intake of Thiamine is 1.5 mg. Many supplements contain 50 mg or more of thiamine.

Thiamine: Sources

Many different sources contain Thiamine. Foods rich in thiamine include liver and yeast. The majority of the population gets its thiamine from grains. Whole grain is known to contain more thiamine than processed grain. Other sources of thiamine include oatmeal, potatoes, brown rice and even ham, pork and eggs.

Thiamine: Functions

Thiamine is well-known for being required in the metabolism of carbohydrates. It plays a vital role energy production on a daily basis. Thiamine may also play a role in cataracts, Alzheimer’s disease, congestive heart failure and cancer.

Thiamine: Side Effects and Deficiency

Failing to ingest enough thiamine may result in symptoms of thiamine deficiency. A well-known disease that occurs as a result of Thiamine deficiency is beriberi. Beriberi can be classified as either dry, wet or cerebral. Thiamine deficiency may result from general malnutrition, alcoholism, and eating too many foods that limit the absorption of thiamine, which include coffee and tea. Certain prescription medications, as well as alcohol, may inhibit the absorption and utilization of thiamine by the body.

Thiamine deficiency can also result in confusion, neurodegernation, and even death. Other symptoms may include irritability, fatigue and other nervous system difficulties. Because it is water soluble and can be easily passed through the bodily systems, there are no known toxicities. However, severe allergic-type reactions may occur with extremely large, intravenous doses.

References

“Thiamin” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiamine

“Thiamin” https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/thiamin/

“Vitamin B1” https://www.anyvitamins.com/vitamin-b1-thiamin-info.htm