Thiamine

What is Thiamine?

Thiamine is also known as thiamin or Vitamin B1. Good sources of thiamine include wheat germ, dry beans, peas, enriched cereals and breads, pasta, nuts, eggs, and most vegetables.

Like the other B vitamins, vitamin B1 helps to support the nervous system in addition to its role in releasing energy from nutrients in food. Vitamin B1 is considered an “anti-stress” nutrient, and it may also help the immune system function better in stressful situations.

As a dietary supplement, large doses of vitamin B1 have been used to treat several disorders. Along with other nutrients, vitamin B1 is thought to prevent the development of cataracts. Also, people with Alzheimer’s disease have reportedly benefited from supplements of 100 mg per day of a vitamin B1 derivative, though no placebo-controlled studies exist to support this claim.

Vitamin B1 is also thought to help regulate appetite. Vitamin B1 deficiency is seen among people who are malnourished as well as people who abuse alcohol. In addition, people on kidney dialysis, those with chronic fatigue syndrome, and those who undergo a great deal of physical stress can be deficient in B1.

Side Effects and Warnings of Thiamine

There is little danger of thiamine toxicity when it is taken orally. However, when thiamine is taken intravenously (injections), it has been reported to cause anaphylactic shock in few people.

Symptoms of a thiamine overdose may include a feeling of warmth, weakness, sweating, nausea, restlessness, difficulty breathing, and tightness of the throat, bluish skin, and death.

As with all other dietary supplements, you should always seek the opinion of your doctor before starting to use Thiamine.

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