Thiamine

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Chemical Name:Vitamin B1 Description: Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin which is used to protect against excess water. This was the first identified B vitamin thus its name. It plays the role of a coenzyme in the Krebb's cycle (a biological pathway converting blood sugar (glucose) into energy) and the central nervous system needs vitamin B1 for functioning. Due to its effects on mental attitude and the nervous system, Thiamine is also known as the "morale vitamin".

Absorption/Storage :Thiamine is absorbed in the upper and lower sections of the small intestine. Upon absorption, the vitamin is carried by the circulatory system to the liver, kidneys, and heart. Vitamin B1 may then combine with manganese resulting in an active enzyme that breaks dowm complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. Since this is a water-soluble vitamin it is not stored in the body; therefore, the excess is excreated in the urine. Thiamine must be replenished every 5-6 hours since it is excreted. Alcohol easily destories this vitamin. Depletion of thiamine will result if sugar is consumed in excess and smoking has the same effect.

Dosage/Toxicity: The required amount of thiamine is determined by body size because of the number of cells. This is because vitamin B1 is involved at cellular levels. It also depends on the person's energy expenditure. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) recommends thiamine as follows: infants newborn -6 months 0.3mg, infants 6 months-1year 0.4mg, children 1-3 years 0.7mg, children 4-6 years 0.9mg, children 7-10 years 1.0mg, males 11-14 years 1.3mg, males 15-50 years 1.5mg, males 51+ years 1.2mg, females 11-50 years 1.1mg, females 51+ years 1.0mg, lactating women 1.6mg. Before taking more than 10 times the RDA, you should consult with a physician. Large doses may lead to a B-complex imbalance, otherwise there is no evidence suggesting toxicity.

Deficiency: Diffucult to diagnose, thiamine deficiency is usually characterized by fatigue, loss of appetite, emotional instabilty, and an inability to concentrate. Beri-Beri is a disease associated with malnutrition. This condition causes loss of neurological control because cells are killed due to lack of energy. This condition will utimately result in water edemia. Insufficent amount of vitamin B1 will cause complications in digesting carbohydrates and leases too much pyruvic acid in the blood, causing a reduction in mental alertness and hard breathing. Since thiamine plays a major role in the central nervous system, without it the optic nerve may become inflammed.

Common Use: Thiamine has been used in the treatment of rapid heart rates as well as enlarged hearts. Alcoholism may also be treated with the use of vitamin B1 mixed with glucose (sugar) and water. Air and seasickness is treated with this vitamin too. Constipation is allivated because thiamine improves the muscle tone of the stomach and intestines. In cases of diarrhea, fever, and stress the need for this vitamin is increased.

Food Sources:Pork is a great source of thiamine because the cells turn over rapidly. Enriched bread and cereal are also sources as well as liver, brown rice and beans.

Precautions: Consult a physician if pregnant, symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, or dizziness last more than a week, or if new symptoms appear.

Scientific References: Groff, J., Gropper, S., and Hunt, S. (1995). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. St. Paul Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Gropper and Hamilton. (1987). The Biochemistry of Human Nutrition. St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Kirschmann, G. and Kirschmann, J. (1996). Nutrition Almanac. New York, New York: McGraw Hill. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. National Research Council. (1989). Recommended Dietary Allowance. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp.

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