Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Description

Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is first detected vitamin from the B vitamins group. Vitamin B1 is an essential component of the enzyme thiamine pyrophosphate, which is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Thiamin, along with other vitamins of B group, is involved in the utilisation of fats and proteins, and also keeps the heart healthy and mucous membranes. Thiamin plays a role in converting glucose into biological energy required for the proper functioning of the brain. Also, thiamine is involved in certain metabolic reactions occurring in nervous tissue, heart, formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of smooth and skeletal muscle.

Use

RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for a thiamin:

0.3 mg for infants under 6 months;

0.4 mg for those from 6 months to a year;

0.7 mg for children aged 1 to 3 years;

0.9 mg for children 4 to 6 years;

1.0 mg for children aged 7 to 10 years.

Needs vary slightly in terms of gender, with over 10 years:

For males from 11 to 14 years need 1.3 mg thiamine, 1.5 mg of 15 to 50 years and 1.2 mg for those aged over 50 years;

For females: 1.1 mg from 11 to 50 years and 1.0 mg for over 50 years.

RDA is slightly higher for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and is 1.5 mg and 1.6 mg respectively.

Needs also increase by 0.5 mg for every 1000 calories additional to the basic 2000 calories recommended for daily intake.

High-dose thiamine is used in the treatment of certain metabolic disorders, including enzyme deficiencies, "maple syrup urine " (MSUD) disease and Leigh disease. Thiamine can be helpful in people who have diabetic neuropathy.

Also, it is considered that thiamine may be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, depression, fatigue, fibromyalgia, motion sickness and aphthous ulcers in the mouth. Although thiamin deficiency causes aphthae in the mouth, taking larger amounts of thiamine after aphthae appear will not act on their faster recovery.

Preparations

Natural sources

Thiamine is present in almost all types of food from plant and animal origin, but the highest concentrations are found in nuts, brown rice, seafood and cereals. Legumes, milk, beef and pork are also rich in vitamin B1. Thiamin is destroyed after long exposure to high temperatures, but not with freezing. Food should be cooked with a small amount of water, so that you won't lose the vitamins that are soluble in water, along with thiamine. Drinking Tea or alcohol while eating reduces the amount of thiamine that is absorbed by the body.

Supplement

Thiamine has the form for oral, intravenous and intramuscular use. With thiamine injections are usually used for patients who have severe deficiency of thiamine. Supplements should always be stored in a cold, dry place away from the reach of children.

Deficiency of thiamine

Thiamine deficiency leads to a condition known as beri-beri, which was once common among sailors, and in today is rare. Beri-beri can be found the most in camps and shelters for refugees and in Asia is a major cause of death among babies. The syndrome usually includes loss of appetite, constipation, weakness, abdominal pain, swelling of the extremities, muscle spasms, insomnia and loss of memory.

With treatment the situation improves immediately, and if left untreated leads to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Such patients are confused, disoriented, have trouble with speech and gait, limb edema, parenthesis, nausea, vomiting and vision problems, and if the situation continues there is psychosis, coma and death. This condition, even in advanced stages can improve if given thiamine, improve diet and stop using alcohol.

The main risk factor for development of thiamine deficiency is alcoholism. Overall, alcoholics eat little and have a low intake of thiamine, and other vitamins. Alcohol directly affects and destroys thiamine, while also increasing its excretion.

People with liver cirrhosis, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic infections or hyper metabolic states also have an increased risk for thiamine deficiency. Older people who have poor nutritional status, and problems with absorption need supplements. Other people with inadequate diets, increased stress, illness or surgery can also benefit from supplements of thiamine. The use of cigarettes, carbonate and citrate as additives in foods can reduce the absorption of thiamine.

A lack of vitamin B1 is often fallowed by the lack of other B vitamins, and other nutrients. Therefore it is best to take supplements containing B complex.

Precautions and Side Effects

Thiamine should not be given to someone who is allergic to B vitamins, which rarely occurs.

In very unusual circumstances, high doses of thiamine can cause rash, itching or swelling. These reactions are more common in receiving intravenous thiamine. Most people have no adverse effects with oral use of thiamine.

Interactions

Oral contraceptives, antibiotics and certain groups of diuretics may decrease concentrations of thiamine in the body. Taking this vitamin can intensify the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents used during some surgical procedures.

The best way to consume B vitamins is as a complex, and magnesium improves the absorption of thiamine.