Nutrient Notes
B1 (Thiamin)
Main Functions
Thiamin is necessary for nervous system function,
keeping the heart beating and fending off stress. It
improves learning capacity and mental alertness. It
also aids in digestion, helping to release energy
from carbohydrates by creating glucose. Thiamin
comes in three forms, and it is alternately known
as vitamin B1, thiamin hydrochloride and thiamin
mononitrate. Thiamin is integral to many
of the activities of enzymes in the human body. It
is necessary for the manufacture and utilization
of carbohydrates in the system. Thiamin is
essential to proper heart and other muscle function. It
is also essential for a healthy nervous system.
Natural Food Sources
Asparagus, brewer's yeast, brown rice, enriched breads
and cereals, kidney, legumes, liver, nuts, oatmeal,
oranges, oyster, pork, potato, raisins, seeds,
soybeans, tahini, whole grains. Thiamin is
destroyed in cooking, and intake may be low if
the diet is high in refined foods. Do not
add soda if you are boiling green vegetables since
soda is alkaline and will destroy thiamin.
Deficiency Symptoms
Thiamin deficiency disease is known as beriberi. It
is rare, but can occur with excessive alcohol and
tea drinking, both of which inhibit thiamin absorption. Symptoms
include mental illness, fatigue, depression, headaches,
loss of appetite and numbness in arms and legs. In
gastric bypass patients, thiamin deficiency most
often occurs with protracted vomiting and poor intake.
Toxicity Symptoms
Large doses may cause a reaction similar to anaphylactic
shock. Several hundred milligrams may cause
drowsiness.
Disclaimer:
If you have specific questions regarding
your intake of vitamin B1, it is recommended
that you discuss this information with
your physician or other trained health
care practitioner to determine what’s
best for your personal health.
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