Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

“Anti-Beriberi” or “Anti-Polyneuritis” Vitamin

…or more simply, the “nerve” vitamin.

Why do you need Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)?

Thiamine’s main role in the body relates to the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates break down into glucose which the body then uses as energy. In order for this process to occur, enzymes must be present. The enzyme known as thiamine pyrophosphatase carries out this particular process but is dependent on thiamine to perform the task.

If thiamine is not available, then the conversion of carbohydrates to glucose is inhibited because the thiamine pyrophosphatase enzyme cannot be activated.

The energy provided by glucose is essential for every cell in the body since it is the oxidation of carbohydrates that produces most of a cell’s energy.

Thiamine is vital for:

Brain function
Heart function
Nervous system function
Glucose (sugar) metabolism

For a more in-depth look at the function of Thiamine see Thiamine Deficiency, Carbohydrates & Autoimmune.

Conditions related to Thiamine Deficiency

The following diseases and conditions have been linked to a thiamine deficiency and have had improvement with supplementation:

Wernicke-Korsakoff Disease
Beriberi
Multiple Sclerosis
Myasthenia Gravis
Congestive Heart Failure
Alcoholism
Some types of Depression
Some types of Constipation
Insomnia
Alzheimer’s

Dosages

The typical dosage of thiamine is 100 to 200 mg. in addition to a B-complex supplement. However, therapeutic dosages as high as 3000 mg. have been used in acute conditions.

Toxicity

Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin and unlikely to reach toxic levels as your body simply eliminates what it does not need.

Related Articles: