Quick guide to Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
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- releasing energy from food
- carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism
- healthy growth
- healthy skin, blood, hair and muscles
- a healthy brain and nervous system
- alcohol metabolism
Absorption and metabolism
Daily intake is necessary.
Deficiency
Daily intake is necessary.
Sources
These include meat, whole grains, fish and nuts.
Daily recommended dietary intakes
- Men - 1.2 mg
- Women - 1.1 mg
- Pregnancy - 1.4 mg
- Lactation - 1.5 mg
Toxic effects of excess intake
Toxicity is rare. Symptoms include headache, irritability, hyperthyroidism and insomnia.
Therapeutic uses of supplements
Thiamin supplements have been used to improve mental function in alcoholics and the elderly. They may be useful in times of stress and have also been used to treat fatigue, irritability, depression, to aid digestion, and to promote healing.
Interactions
Alcohol reduces thiamin absorption and conversion to the biologically active form. Digoxin, indomethacin, anticonvulsants, antacids and diuretics increase the risk of deficiency.