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Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Overview

Thiamine is a vitamin, also called vitamin B1. Vitamin B1 is found in many foods including yeast, cereal grains, beans, nuts, and meat. It is often used in combination with other B vitamins, and found in many vitamin B complex products. Vitamin B complexes generally include vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin/niacinamide), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), and folic acid. However, some products do not contain all of these ingredients and some may include others, such as biotin, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), choline bitartrate, and inositol.

People take thiamine for conditions related to low levels of thiamine (thiamine deficiency syndromes), including beriberi and inflammation of the nerves (neuritis) associated with pellagra or pregnancy.

Thiamine is also used for digestive problems including poor appetite, ulcerative colitis, and ongoing diarrhea.

Thiamine is also used for AIDS and boosting the immune system, diabetic pain, heart disease, heart failure, alcoholism, aging, a type of brain damage called cerebellar syndrome, canker sores, vision problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, and motion sickness. Other uses include preventing cervical cancer and progression of kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Some people use thiamine for maintaining a positive mental attitude; treating depression; enhancing learning abilities; increasing energy; fighting stress; and preventing memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease.

Healthcare providers give thiamine shots for a memory disorder called Wernicke's encephalopathy syndrome, other thiamine deficiency syndromes in critically ill people, alcohol withdrawal, sepsis, and coma.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Vitamin

Primary Functions:

Low levels of thiamine

Also Known As:

Aneurine Hydrochloride, Antiberiberi Factor

How Does It Work?

Thiamine is required by our bodies to properly use carbohydrates.

Uses

  • Metabolic disorders. Taking thiamine by mouth helps correct metabolic disorders associated with genetic diseases, including Leigh's disease, maple syrup urine disease, and others.
  • Thiamine deficiency. Taking thiamine by mouth helps prevent and treat thiamine deficiency.
  • Brain disorder due to thiamine deficiency (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome). Thiamine helps decrease the risk and symptoms of a specific brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). This brain disorder is related to low levels of thiamine (thiamine deficiency) and is often seen in alcoholics. Between 30% and 80% of alcoholics are believed to have thiamine deficiency. Giving thiamine shots seems to help decrease the risk of developing WKS and decrease symptoms of WKS during alcohol withdrawal.
  • Cataracts. High thiamine intake as part of the diet is associated with a reduced risk of developing cataracts.
  • Kidney disease in people with diabetes. Early research shows that taking high-dose thiamine (100 mg three times daily) for 3 months decreases the amount of albumin in the urine in people with type 2 diabetes. Albumin in the urine is an indication of kidney damage.
  • Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea). Early research suggests that taking thiamine for 90 days stops pain associated with menstruation in girls 12-21 years-old.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For adults with somewhat low levels of thiamine in their body (mild thiamine deficiency): the usual dose of thiamine is 5-30 mg daily in either a single dose or divided doses for one month. The typical dose for severe deficiency can be up to 300 mg per day.
  • For reducing the risk of getting cataracts: a daily dietary intake of approximately 10 mg of thiamine.

As a dietary supplement in adults, 1-2 mg of thiamine per day is commonly used. The daily recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of thiamine are: Infants 0-6 months, 0.2 mg; infants 7-12 months, 0.3 mg; children 1-3 years, 0.5 mg; children 4-8 years, 0.6 mg; boys 9-13 years, 0.9 mg; men 14 years and older, 1.2 mg; girls 9-13 years, 0.9 mg; women 14-18 years, 1 mg; women over 18 years, 1.1 mg; pregnant women, 1.4 mg; and breast-feeding women, 1.5 mg.

BY INJECTION:

  • Healthcare providers give thiamine shots for treating and preventing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome).

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vitamin b1 thiamine used for?

Thiamin (vitamin B-1) helps the body generate energy from nutrients. Also known as thiamine, thiamin is necessary for the growth, development and function of cells. Most people get enough thiamin from the food they eat.

Is Vitamin b1 good for nerves?

Function #3: Vitamin B1 is involved in neurotransmitter modulation for acetylcholine. Thiamine is important to the health of the nervous system because of its role in the synthesis of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter. Thiamine's role in its synthesis is as a cofactor with acetyl-CoA to produce acetylcholine .

Which vitamin is known as thiamine?

It is also known as vitamin B1. Thiamin is naturally present in some foods, added to some food products, and available as a dietary supplement. This vitamin plays a critical role in energy metabolism and, therefore, in the growth, development, and function of cells [1].

Does vitamin b1 help with memory?

Thiamine (vitamin B1) was the first vitamin discovered, leading to the concept of vitamins. These experiments initiated research to test the role of thiamine in memory in humans and animals. It has been shown that thiamine deficiency in humans produces many of the neurological consequences of beriberi.

Is 500mg of vitamin b1 too much?

There is no toxic dose established in humans. However, at doses higher than 50 mg per day, some side effects such as skin flushing can occur. Therapeutic doses of 1500 to 1600 mg per day can be given, but with a risk of liver toxicity, especially in the presence of pre-existing liver disease.

What does vitamin b1 thiamine prevent?

Vitamin B1, or thiamin, helps prevent complications in the nervous system, brain, muscles, heart, stomach, and intestines. It is also involved in the flow of electrolytes into and out of muscle and nerve cells.

Can I take vitamin b1 everyday?

Doctors determine the appropriate doses for conditions like beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Doctors give thiamine intravenously for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. A daily dose of 50 to 100 mg is often taken as a supplement. Thiamine appears safe in these doses.

How much vitamin b1 can I take daily?

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.

How much b1 is too much?

However, at doses higher than 50 mg per day, some side effects such as skin flushing can occur. Therapeutic doses of 1500 to 1600 mg per day can be given, but with a risk of liver toxicity, especially in the presence of pre-existing liver disease.

What are the side effects of too much vitamin b1?

Symptoms of a vitamin B complex overdose include:

  • excessive
  • skin conditions.
  • blurry vision.
  • abdominal cramps.
  • increased urination.

What vitamins do heavy drinkers need?

Heavy drinkers need vitamin supplements. True. Those who abuse alcohol are prone to vitamin deficiencies, especially of vitamin B-l (thiamin), vitamin B-3 (niacin) and folacin (folic acid), along with deficiencies in the minerals zinc and magnesium. The answer, of course, is to have a more moderate alcohol consumption.

What are the side effects of Vitamin b1?

Side effects of thiamine include:

  • severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
  • skin discoloration.
  • rapid swelling of the skin.

Can you overdose on vitamin b1?

When the amount of vitamin B1, also known as thiamine exceeds the normal levels in the body, it can cause hypertension or high blood pressure. Either of the symptoms due to vitamin B complex overdose can cause a long-term effect on the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Does thiamine improve memory?

"Thiamine is also used for maintaining a positive mental attitude, preventing memory loss, enhancing learning abilities, fighting stress and increasing energy," Ross told Live Science. Thiamine injections are also given to patients who have a memory disorder called Wernicke's encephalopathy, Ross added.

What is the best time to take vitamin b1?

Water-soluble vitamins absorb best on an empty stomach. That means taking them first thing in the morning, 30 minutes prior to eating, or two hours after a meal. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water so your body can use them. Vitamin C, all B vitamins, and folate (folic acid) are water soluble.

Can you take b1 at night?

Because of its energy-boosting abilities, the best time of day to take a B vitamin is after waking up. Also, recent research indicates that vitamin B-6 may potentially interfere with sleep and induce vivid dreams. To avoid this adverse effect, people may wish to take them earlier in the day.

Why is my b1 high?

Low levels of thiamine reflect malabsorption states, poor nutritional status, or inadequate oral intake, while high levels suggest excessive intake or absorption issues. Conditions that increase the risk of vitamin B1 deficiency include the following: Alcoholism. Malnutrition.

When should I take thiamine?

Thiamine tablets are usually taken once a day. Doses of 25-100 mg are sufficient to prevent mild deficiency. You can take the tablets at whatever time of day you find easiest to remember, either before or after meals.

How much thiamine should you take daily?

People also take thiamin to treat inherited metabolic disorders. The recommended daily amount of thiamin for adult men is 1.2 milligrams and for adult women is 1.1 milligrams.

Clinical Studies

 

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