The B1 Vitamin (Thiamin)

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The B1 Vitamin was the first to be isolated in the 1970s. Also known as thiamin, this nutrient is essential for the metabolism (converting blood sugar into energy) of carbohydrates and for normal nerve and heart function.

The cells of your brain and nervous system are extremely sensitive to carbohydrate metabolism and are therefore among the first to show signs of a deficiency.

Symptoms of a Vitamin B1 Deficiency are Vague

Initial symptoms may be mistaken for other problems such as a lack of sleep or the flu. They can include:

fatigue,
irritability,
poor memory,
sleep disturbances,
loss of appetite,
abdominal discomfort, and
weight loss.

A Thiamin deficiency often occurs together with a deficiency in other B vitamins and usually should be addressed using a multi-vitamin supplement or Vitamin B complex

In extreme cases, a well known nervous system ailment called Beriberi may develop which causes severe fatigue and can affect your cardiovascular, muscular, nervous and gastrointestinal systems.

Who is Susceptible?

Babies who are fed formula that doesn’t include Vitamin B1 are susceptible.

If you drink alcohol heavily you should consider talking to your doctor about quitting and if you need vitamin B1 supplements.

If your diet consists mainly of white flour and sugar or other highly processed carbohydrates, you could be at risk of developing a deficiency of the B1 Vitamin.

Some disorders or conditions increase your body's need for thiamin.

Thyroid disorders,
Liver disorders,
Pregnancy,
Breastfeeding, and
Fever

Fortunately Thiamin is Not Toxic

There are two categories of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.

The B-complex group is known as water-soluble because they dissolve in water and are therefore non toxic.

These vitamins are easily carried through the blood stream. Any unused vitamins are simply eliminated in your urine so they must be replaced frequently.

Food preparation and storage easily destroy vitamins so it is a good idea to take natural vitamin supplements to ensure a constant supply.

Thiamin supplements given by mouth can correct most deficiency you might have. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor can give you Thiamin intravenously.

The best food sources of Thiamin are yeasts and liver. Some good food sources are: