Amazing Health and Nutritional Benefits of Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 also know as thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin. Additionally, it is one of the elements making up the complex B vitamins.

Vitamin B1 Sources

Foods containing high concentrations of vitamin B1 are the germ of cereals, yeast, beef, pork, nuts, whole grains, and pulses. Other sources include brewer’s yeast and blackstrap molasses. Fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin B include cauliflower, liver, oranges, eggs, potatoes, asparagus, and kale.

Additionally, fortified foods also contain thiamin.

Vitamin B1 Daily Requirements

In the U.S., the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of thiamin taken by mouth is 1.2 mg for males and 1.1 mg for females over the age of 18 years. Pregnant or breastfeeding women of any age should consume 1.4 mg each day.

Vitamin B1 Benefits

The overall benefits of thiamin are to help prevent diseases and health complications. Thiamin prevents complications in the nervous system, brain, muscles, heart, stomach, and intestines. Also, it prevents beriberi. Beriberi will extend to disorders of the heart, nerves, and the digestive system.
  • Medicinal Value
Patients with peripheral neuritis require vitamin B1 as a supplement. Peripheral neuritis involves inflammation of the nerves outside the brain or pellagra.
Also, ulcers and poor appetite might be solved by medicines containing thiamin. Additionally, coma patients recieve thiamin injections. For athletes, thiamine medicine is a booster for their performances. In the U.S.A, it is not prohibited but in some countries it is.

Vitamin B1(Thiamin) Deficiency

Lack of enough B1 vitamins causes Beriberi. Beriberi also is referred to as Thiamine deficiency and it can be classified into wet beriberi and dry beriberi. Wet beriberi affects the heart and circulatory system affects the heart and circulatory system. If not treated the disease can develop to heart failure. Dry beriberi, in turn, affects the nervous system.

It is reversible with thiamine supplementation.

 

Signs and Symptoms of thiamin Deficiency

  • weight loss
  • little or no appetite
  • memory problems or confusion
  • heart problems
  • tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
  • loss of muscle mass
  • poor reflexes
  • irritability

People at Risk For Vitamin B1 Deficiency

Some people may acquire Thiamin deficiency due to health problems. For example, people with poor diets with less intake of vitamin B1 are at a higher risk. Also, cancer, nausea during pregnancy, bariatric surgery and hemodialysis patients are on risk.

Alcoholism can develop thiamine deficiency leading to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Vitamin B1 Side Effects

Although not common adverse uses might be toxic to the user. Most likely, thiamin supplements and injections are related to some side effects. Some side effects induce allergic reactions and also nausea. Lethargy and impaired coordination might occur.

Its advisory to maintain the daily requirement and also to stick to the doctor’s prescription(if taking thiamine as a drug).

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