Vitamin B1 is a vital human nutrient that belongs to the vitamin B complex. It plays an important role in maintaining a healthy nervous system and improving the cardiovascular functioning of the body.
Vitamin B1 is one of the eight water-soluble vitamins in the B complex family. It helps in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, which in turn is used to produce energy for carrying out various bodily functions. Vitamin B1 is also required for the breakdown of fats and protein.
In addition to these health benefits, it maintains the muscle tone along the walls of the digestive tract and promotes the health of the nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver. It also improves the body’s ability to withstand stress and is often called the “anti-stress” vitamin. [1]
Important Sources of Vitamin B1
Yeast and liver are the richest sources of vitamin B1. Pork, whole-grain cereals, rye, wheat germ, and kidney beans are also important sources of this vitamin. The list also includes asparagus, potatoes, mushrooms, romaine lettuce, spinach, tuna, green peas, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, and eggplant. Adding these to your diet will ensure a healthy level of vitamin B1. Unfortunately, overcooking and long-term refrigeration can destroy thiamine.
Vitamin B1 Deficiency Symptoms
The early symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency include lethargy, irritability, loss of memory, loss of sleep or appetite, weight loss, indigestion or constipation, and calf muscle tenderness. If left untreated these initial symptoms might lead to a severe form of thiamine deficiency, known as beriberi. This condition is characterized by nerve, heart, and brain abnormalities, but the symptoms vary from person to person and depend on a number of factors. Some examples are explained below.
Dry Beriberi: This condition involves nerve and muscle abnormalities, a prickling sensation in the toes, a burning sensation in the feet at night, leg cramps, and muscle atrophy.
Thiamine helps the body’s cells convert carbohydrates into energy. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Wet Beriberi: Common symptoms include abnormally fast heartbeat, fluid retention in the legs, pulmonary edema, and hypotension, which might result in shock and even death. [2]
Brain Abnormalities: In alcoholics, thiamine deficiency might result in brain abnormalities. Some of its common symptoms include haziness, involuntary eye movements, difficulty in walking and partial paralysis of the eyes among other debilitating symptoms. If ignored, these symptoms could become fatal.
Infantile Beriberi: This variety is commonly seen in newborns of women already suffering from thiamine deficiency who contract this condition from the mother’s milk. loss of reflexes and aphonia are some of the common symptoms, so be sure to have sufficient levels of vitamin B1 if you are pregnant.
Health Benefits of Vitamin B1
Thiamine helps in many important functions and is one of the vital nutrients in the body. Its benefits include the following;
May Promote Energy Production
Sugar is the principal source of energy in our body, where it is oxidized to form a usable form of energy due to the presence of vitamin B1. It is part of a complex enzyme system called the pyruvate dehydrogenase system, which helps in the oxidation of sugar. It is also required for the functioning of this enzyme system, which releases energy for a variety of functions in the body.
May Protect Nerves
Vitamin B1 helps in the proper development of myelin sheaths around nerves. A deficiency of this vitamin may result in the degeneration of these coverings, which can result in nerve damage and death.
May Prevent Cataracts
When used along with other essential nutrients, vitamin B1 can delay or prevent the occurrence of cataracts.
May Have Anti-aging Properties
Vitamin B1 works as a powerful antioxidant, which helps protect your body from the signs of aging like wrinkles, age spots, and other age-related conditions that regularly affect the organs.
May Promote Digestion
This vitamin also helps in the secretion of hydrochloric acid, which is essential for the complete digestion of food particles.
May Improve Memory
Vitamin B1 can improve your memory and concentration power. It is also used in the management of many nervous disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Bell’s palsy. It is better known as a “morale vitamin” for its positive impact on the nervous system and a healthy mental attitude.
May Stimulate Production of RBC
Vitamin B1 plays an important role in the production of red blood cells (RBCs), which keep people healthy, active, and energized.
May Relieve Effects of Alcoholism
Vitamin B1 can fend off the deficiencies caused by cirrhosis, infections, hyperthyroidism, and the other effects of alcoholism. [3]
May Improve Appetite
This vitamin can significantly improve appetite and mental alertness.
Note: Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin and is expelled through urine. Therefore, make sure to maintain a well-balanced diet that can resupply the necessary amounts of vitamin B1 regularly.
