Thiamin:
Vitamin B1 or Thiamin
Vitamin B1, a.k.a. thiamin, is one of the eight vitamins that make up the powerhouse Vitamin B complex. Like all of the B vitamins, thiamin plays a major role in the health of the body and the health of the mind. Care should be taken to maintain the recommended daily ingestion levels of this essential nutrient, as the results of deficiencies can be somewhat devastating.
Vitamin B1 serves a multitude of purposes in the body. It is an essential part of converting carbohydrates to energy, and it is necessary to the proper functioning of the nervous system, plus the heart and musculature system. Thiamin is also important for the brain, particularly in regards to emotional health and well-being.
There are two specific types of brain damage associated with severely low levels of Vitamin B1. One, Korsakoff syndrome, has symptoms of confusion and short term memory loss. Another, Wernicke's Disease, includes symptoms of vision disturbances and irregularities, an unsteady walk, and mental confusion.
Despite the obvious importance of Vitamin B1 to many of the body's functions, a great number of people regularly fail to meet the recommended daily intake levels. Alcoholics are especially vulnerable to Vitamin B1 deficiencies, because alcohol ruins the B vitamins. Illnesses that force bodily fluids from the body, such as chronic diarrhea, can exhaust the body's levels of thiamin, because it is a water-soluble vitamin and the body needs to have its supply renewed every day. There are also rare conditions that interfere with the body's ability to use Vitamin B1 properly.
Dietary supplements are an affordable, safe and effective way to meet the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin B1. It is very important, however, to use vitamin supplements with care and attention, because taking too much Vitamin B1 can cause adverse side effects and serious health problems. As with all substances, there is always a case of overdosing.
While there are some health situations that call for higher than average doses of B1 or thiamin, high dosages should only be taken while under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. Like any other medication or vitamin supplement, B1 supplements should always be kept out of the reach of children.
Natural sources of B1 include grains, sunflower seeds, pork, bran cereal, peas, fish, beef, liver, ham, peanuts, almonds, macaroni, rice, bread, lima beans, corn, broccoli, potato, oranges, avocado, dried beans, natural oatmeal, and dried yeast.
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