Thiamin (vitamin B1)

Thiamin (vitamin B1) is the first vitamin B to be discovered.  This nutrient is necessary for normal growth and development.  It helps convert carbohydrates from foods into energy and enables proper functioning of the heart and nervous systems.  It helps fuel the body by converting blood sugar into energy.  Nutritionists have two categories for vitamins according to the materials they dissolve in.  Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins travel through the bloodstream. These include the B-complex and vitamin C.  Water-soluble vitamins that are not used by the body are eliminated in urine which needs constant supply of these vitamins in your food.  Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin.  Women are required 1.1 milligrams every day. Men need 1.5 milligrams per day. 

Thiamin (vitamin B1) can be found in whole grains, enriched grains, cereals, pasta, white rice, dried beans, nuts and lean pork.  Despite its prevalence, there are still groups of people that are prone to risk of thiamin deficiency, these are: older adults and alcoholics. 

Thiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency can be rare.  But lack of thiamin (vitamin B1) can cause beriberi.  The symptoms of this condition are confusion, muscle wasting, nerve problems and rapid heartbeat.  People who drink heavily should refer to their doctors about thiamin (vitamin B1) supplements.  If you want to get the most thiamin (vitamin B1) from your food, refrigerate fresh fruits and vegetables; store milk and grains away from strong light.  Thiamin (vitamin B1) is easily lost during food preparation and storage.  If you take thiamin (vitamin B1) supplements, store at room temperature in a dry place free from moisture.

Thiamin (vitamin B1) needs to be taken on a daily basis. Older people aged 55 years and above or those who consume large amounts of alcohol or have a stressful lives need to take thiamin (vitamin B1).  Alcoholism, congestive heart failure, Crohn’s disease, anorexia, kidney dialysis, folate deficiency and multiple sclerosis may cause Thiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency.  Certain foods may also impede the absorption of thiamin (vitamin B1) in the body. These include: fish,clams, shrimp, mussels and horsetail.

Thiamin (vitamin B1) has several health benefits:

* It can be used to treat congestive heart failure (CHF).  This is a condition wherein the pumping ability of the heart declines and fluid accumulate in the lungs and legs.  Treatment for CHF includes strong water pills also known as diuretics which could decrease thiamin (vitamin B1) in the body.  This is potentially harmful since the heart depends on thiamin (vitamin B1) for proper functioning.
* Alcoholism, Crohn’s disease, anorexia or multiple sclerosis can also increase their depleting supply of thiamin by taking supplements.
* It also treats Korsakoff’s syndrome which is a deficiency of thiamin (vitamin B1) and causes cardiovascular, central and peripheral nervous condition. 
* It may also be helpful in Alzheimer’s disease.

There are no known drugs or nutrients interaction with thiamin (vitamin B1).  There is no recommended daily allowance for thiamin. But studies indicate that healthiest people would consume more than 9 mg per day.  Many vitamin supplements range from 20- 25 mg., which is more than what is enough.  Thiamin (vitamin B1) is non toxic and can be taken in very high amounts especially if you have a health condition.