Also indexed as: Thiamin, Thiamine
What does it do?
Vitamin B1 is is a water-soluble vitamin needed to process carbohydrates, fat, and protein.
Every cell of the body requires vitamin B1 to form the fuel the body runs on—adenosine
triphosphate (ATP). Nerve cells require vitamin B1 in order to function normally.
Vitamin B1 has been used
in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
A decline in vitamin B1 levels occurs with age, irrespective of medical
condition.1 Deficiency is most commonly found in
alcoholics, people with malabsorption
conditions, and those eating a very poor diet. It is also common in children with congenital
heart disease.2 People with
chronic fatigue syndrome may also be deficient in vitamin B1.3 4
Individuals undergoing regular kidney dialysis may develop severe vitamin B1 deficiency, which
can result in potentially fatal complications.5 Persons receiving dialysis should
discuss the need for vitamin B1 supplementation with their physician.
How much is usually taken?
While the ideal intake is uncertain, one study reported the healthiest people consumed more
than 9 mg per day.6 The amount found in many
multivitamin supplements (20–25 mg) is more than adequate for most people.
Vitamin B1 is nontoxic, even in very high amounts.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Vitamin B1 works hand in hand with vitamin B2 and vitamin B3. Therefore, nutritionists usually suggest that
vitamin B1 be taken as part of a B-complex vitamin
or other multivitamin supplement.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with vitamin B1. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
References
1. Wilkinson TJ, Hanger HC, George PM, Sainsbury R. Is thiamine
deficiency in elderly people related to age or co-morbidity? Age Ageing
2000;29:111–6.
2. Shamir R, Dagan O, Abramovitch D, et al. Thiamine deficiency in
children with congenital heart disease before and after corrective surgery. JPEN J
Parenter Enteral Nutr 2000;24:154–8.
3. Heap LC, Peters TJ, Wessely S. Vitamin B status in patients with
chronic fatigue syndrome. J R Soc Med 1999;92:183–5.
4. Grant JE, Veldee MS, Buchwald D. Analysis of dietary intake and
selected nutrient concentrations in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. J Am Diet
Assoc 1996;96:383–6.
5. Hung SC, Hung SH, Tarng DC, et al. Thiamine deficiency and unexplained
encephalopathy in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. Am J Kidney Dis
2001;38:941–7.
6. Cheraskin E, Ringsdorf WM, Medford FH, Hicks BS. The
“ideal” daily vitamin B1 intake. J Oral Med 1978; 33:77–9.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
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