Vitamin B1 or thiamine is one of the eight vitamins of the B complex group. It is called B 1 because it was the first one to be discovered. All the B vitamins convert carbohydrates into sugar, which releases energy. A water soluble vitamin, B1 is essential for the functioning of the nervous, muscular and circulatory systems and the heart, and has therapeutic uses.
Functions of Thiamine
Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine or aneurin. Thiamine performs a number of important functions in the body. It stimulates the brain and is responsible for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Thus it is also an anti-stress vitamin, like other B group vitamins. The cells of the nervous system depend on carbohydrates for energy, and the metabolism of carbohydrates is dependent on vitamin B1. The function of thiamine is to protect the nerve cells and supply them with energy. By boosting mental alertness, it prevents senility and symptoms of premature aging.
It also protects the heart muscles and lessens the risk of cataract. Thiamine prevents fluid retention or oedemia related to cardiac problems, and also guards against the damaging effects of lead poisoning.
Vitamin B1 prevents constipation and helps in the digestion of carbohydrates. It improves circulation, maintains a normal blood count and a healthy skin. Moreover, it increases stamina and reduces fatigue, and acts as a diuretic. It boosts the action of enzymes and helps in the synthesis of fats and oxidation of sugar.
Sources of Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 is found in rice, wheat, oats and other whole grains, and is found mainly in the outer layers and germ. However, the amount is reduced when the grains are refined, and converted into items like polished rice. Animal food like sheep, pork, mutton and liver, and legumes like Bengal gram and soya beans are rich sources, along with some fruits, vegetables and nuts. Fruits include pineapples and apricots, while vegetables include capsicum, turnip and beet greens and dry lotus stems. Groundnuts, pistachios and mustard seeds too contain vitamin B1.
Deficiency of Vitamin B1: Causes and Symptoms
Thiamine is partly lost in heat during cooking and in canning. Moreover, factors like excess alcohol, dietary sugar and caffeine; sulphur drugs and food processed by certain methods destroy thiamine. It goes through a change in the intestinal mucosa, and some of it is stored in the body. Fairly large amounts are stored in the brain, heart, liver, kidneys and skeletal muscles. However, not much can be stored, so a regular intake is required. Greater amounts are required at certain times, such as pregnancy and lactation or at times of heavy muscular work.
A deficiency of vitamin B1 has serious consequences. It could lead to constipation, digestive problems due to unsatisfactory hydrochloric acid production in the stomach, loss of appetite and weight. Secondly, mental depression, insomnia and nervous exhaustion are common. Thirdly, the heart muscles become inactive, so the upper chambers of the heart become weak and enlarged, leading to a hypertrophy of the heart. Finally, the improper metabolism of carbohydrates leads to an accumulation of acids in the body fluids and tissues.
If there is a deficiency over a prolonged period, it results in oedemia, neuritis, sluggish circulation and beri beri. The latter is classified into four groups. The general symptoms of beri beri are loss of appetite, changes in the blood due to the presence of acids, oedema in the legs, muscular weakness and neuritis and weak and enlarged heart. Beri beri can even affect the gray matter of the cerebrum, and also lead to heart problems such as increased heartbeat and palpitation and excess fatigue.
Therapeutic Uses of Thiamine
Thiamine is effective in the treatment of beri beri and related heart disease. Large doses are used for the treatment of digestive problems, constipation, nervous disorders, stress related conditions, insomnia and mental depression. Loss of appetite, protein and carbohydrate indigestion, constipation, flatulence and other gastro-intestinal disorders also respond well to the use of thiamine. It is used to alleviate painful conditions like rheumatic pain, muscular weakness and cramps and neurological disorders.
Thiamine is essential for the functioning of the digestive and nervous systems, muscles and heart. Like the other vitamins of the B group, thiamine is found in whole grains, lentils and pulses. Vitamin B1 is more effective when used in combination with the other vitamins of the group, rather than in isolation. Though the excess is secreted in the urine and there are no known toxic effects, there are some rare effects of overdose, so medical guidance is essential.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his/her health should contact a licensed medical professional.
Sources:
Goyal, G.C, Vitamins for Natural Healing, Diamond books, 2005
Bakhru, Dr.H.K, Vitamins that Heal, Orient paperbacks, 1998
Vitamins-supplements.org, Vitamins & health supplements guide--vitamin B1,(accessed March 15, 2011).
Lifeclinic.com, Vitamin B1,(accessed March 15, 2011).
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