VITAMIN B1 (Thiamine)

VITAMIN B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B1 is also called thiamine. Vitamin B1 is important for regulating the burning of carbohydrates. Since thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin, the body must get its daily supply from food or supplements. Lack of vitamin B1 can occur already after a few weeks without supply. 

What does vitamin B1 do for the body?

Vitamin B1 is part of a coenzyme (a coenzyme must be present for another enzyme to work) called TPP (thiamine pyrophosphate). TPP ensures that sugar can be converted into energy that the body can use. Vitamin B1 is also necessary for the nervous system, brain and heart to function optimally.

Sources of vitamin B1 in the diet

Good sources of Vitamin B1 are wholemeal bread, cereal products, meat, milk and vegetables. Brewer's yeast is also a good source of thiamine.

Recommended daily intake of vitamin B1Children: 0.4-1.2 mgMen over 14 years: 1.2-1.5 mgWomen over 14 years: 1.0-1.2 mgPregnant: 1.5 mgLactating: 1.6 mgThe intervals for children, men over 14 and women are because there are slightly different recommendations depending on age.

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What happens with a lack of vitamin B1?

The body's stores of vitamin B1 are small and deficiency symptoms can occur after just a few weeks without sufficient supply. Certain medications can also lead to thiamine deficiency, such as some diuretic medications.

Lack of vitamin B1 can cause the disease beriberi. Beriberi is characterized in the early phase by reduced appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, irritability, low mood, muscle weakness and muscle wasting. In very severe cases, beriberi can be fatal.

What happens with high intake of vitamin B1?

There is a low risk of ingesting too much vitamin B1, because any excess is excreted in the urine.

Advice and guidance on supplements of vitamin B1Heavy alcohol consumption, extreme nausea of pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum) and excessive dieting are among the conditions that can lead to vitamin B1 deficiency. People in these groups may benefit from supplementation with vitamin B1 in the form of a B-complex supplement or multi-vitamin mineral supplement.

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