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Thiamin
Vitamin B1; Thiamine
Thiamin is one of the B vitamins. The B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that are part of many of the chemical reactions in the body.
Function
Thiamin (vitamin B1) helps the body's cells change carbohydrates into energy. The main role of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and nervous system
Thiamin also plays a role in muscle contraction and conduction of nerve signals.
Thiamin is essential for the metabolism of pyruvate.
Food Sources
Thiamin is found in:
- Enriched, fortified, and whole grain products such as bread, cereals, rice, pasta, and flour
- Wheat germ
- Beef liver and pork
- Dried milk
- Egg
- Legumes and peas
- Nuts and seeds
Dairy products, fruits, and vegetables are not very high in thiamin in small amounts. But when you eat large amounts of these, they become a significant source of thiamin.
Side Effects
A lack of thiamin can cause weakness , fatigue , psychosis, and nerve damage.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.
Thiamin deficiency in the United States is most often seen in people who abuse alcohol (alcoholism). A lot of alcohol makes it hard for the body to absorb thiamin from foods. Unless those with alcoholism receive higher-than-normal amounts of thiamin to make up for the difference, the body will not get enough of the substance. This can lead to a disease called beriberi .
Beriberi
Beriberi is a disease in which the body does not have enough thiamine (vitamin B1).
In severe thiamin deficiency, brain damage can occur. One type is called Korsakoff syndrome . The other is Wernicke's disease . Either or both of these conditions can occur in the same person.
Korsakoff syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disorder due to vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency.
Wernicke's disease
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disorder due to vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency.
There is no known poisoning linked to thiamin.
Recommendations
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamins reflect how much of each vitamin most people should get each day. The RDA for vitamins may be used as goals for each person.
How much of each vitamin you need depends on your age and gender. Other factors, such as pregnancy and illnesses, are also important. Adults and pregnant or breast-feeding women need higher levels of thiamin than young children.
Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin:
Infants
- 0 to 6 months: 0.2* milligrams per day (mg/day)
- 7 to 12 months: 0.3* mg/day
*Adequate Intake (AI)
Children
- 1 to 3 years: 0.5 mg/day
- 4 to 8 years: 0.6 mg/day
- 9 to 13 years: 0.9 mg/day
Adolescents and Adults
- Males age 14 and older: 1.2 mg/day
- Females age 14 to 18 years: 1.0 mg/day
- Females age 19 and older: 1.1 mg/day (1.4 mg needed during pregnancy and lactation)
The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods.
References
Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. National Academy Press. Washington, DC, 1998. PMID: 23193625 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23193625 .
Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 225.
Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 26.
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Vitamin B1 benefit - illustration
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is essential for metabolizing carbohydrates and producing energy.
Vitamin B1 benefit
illustration
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Vitamin B1 source - illustration
Like most vitamins, vitamin B1 may be obtained in the recommended amount with a well-balanced diet, including some enriched or fortified foods.
Vitamin B1 source
illustration
-
Vitamin B1 benefit - illustration
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is essential for metabolizing carbohydrates and producing energy.
Vitamin B1 benefit
illustration
-
Vitamin B1 source - illustration
Like most vitamins, vitamin B1 may be obtained in the recommended amount with a well-balanced diet, including some enriched or fortified foods.
Vitamin B1 source
illustration
Review Date: 2/2/2015
Reviewed By: Emily Wax, RD, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
