VITAMIN B1 Thiamin
What is Vitamin B1?
What conditions has it been used to treat?
What is Vitamin B1?
Other names : Thiamine, thiamine hydrochloride, thiamin.
Vitamin B1 is part of a group of vitamins called B complex. There are eight B vitamins all together and they were at one time thought to be just one vitamin. Research has shown that they are indeed all slightly different in structure.
The other seven B vitamins that make up B Complex are :
They share similar characteristics; they are all water-soluble, they are all essential in enabling the body to use energy from food and they are all vital for the production of normal tissue.
Thiamin was the first of the B vitamins to be discovered in its pure form hence its other name B1.
Why is it needed?
Vitamin B1 as we already know, works on the release of energy in the body. Calories taken in as carbohydrates need to be converted into a usable energy in order to be utilised by the body. If the carbohydrates we take in are not completely metabolised this results in toxic build-ups in the body.
B1 or thiamin is needed for practically every cellular reaction in the body, essential to the formation of healthy skin, hair, brain and nerve function, blood production and a healthy responsive immune system.
Where is it found?
There is no one food that is really rich in Vitamin B1 but it is found in many animal and plant foods. It is found in offal, brewers yeast, nuts, milk, dairy produce and vegetables. Oatmeal and dried beans are a good source too.
What happens if you are deficient?
Alcohol abuse can result in a deficiency of this vitamin and with deficiency nervous-system problems are seen.
- A numbness in the feet or hands.
- Depression.
- Irritability
- Lack of ability to concentrate.
- Nerve damage.
Other categories of people can be deficient too : those who are on weight-loss diets, or those who consume large amounts of coffee and tea, those taking any of the following drugs: Digoxin, furosemide and antacids.
Those who exercise a lot or eat lots of junk food can be deficient.
If you have an increase in metabolism due to fever and overactive thyroid, pregnancy or stress you could also be at risk of being deficient too.
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