Thiamin is one of the B vitamins. The B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that are part of many of the chemical reactions in the body.
Vitamin B1; Thiamine
Thiamin (vitamin B1) helps the body's cells change carbohydrates into energy. The main role of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and nervous system
Thiamin also plays a role in muscle contraction and conduction of nerve signals.
Thiamin is essential for the metabolism of pyruvate.
Thiamin is found in:
Enriched, fortified, and whole grain products such as bread, cereals, rice, pasta, and flour
Beef liver and pork
Legumes and peas
Nuts and seeds
Dairy products, fruits, and vegetables are not very high in thiamin in small amounts. But when you eat large amounts of these, they become a significant source of thiamin.
A lack of thiamin can cause weakness, fatigue, psychosis, and nerve damage.
Thiamin deficiency in the United States is most often seen in people who abuse alcohol (alcoholism). A lot of alcohol makes it hard for the body to absorb thiamin from foods. Unless those with alcoholism receive higher-than-normal amounts of thiamin to make up for the difference, the body will not get enough of the substance. This can lead to a disease called beriberi.
In severe thiamin deficiency, brain damage can occur. One type is called Korsakoff syndrome. The other is Wernicke's disease. Either or both of these conditions can occur in the same person.
There is no known poisoning linked to thiamin.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamins reflect how much of each vitamin most people should get each day. The RDA for vitamins may be used as goals for each person.
How much of each vitamin you need depends on your age and gender. Other factors, such as pregnancy and illnesses, are also important. Adults and pregnant or breast-feeding women need higher levels of thiamin than young children.
Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin:
0 to 6 months: 0.2* milligrams per day (mg/day)
7 to 12 months: 0.3* mg/day
*Adequate Intake (AI)
1 to 3 years: 0.5 mg/day
4 to 8 years: 0.6 mg/day
9 to 13 years: 0.9 mg/day
Adolescents and Adults
Males age 14 and older: 1.2 mg/day
Females age 14 to 18 years: 1.0 mg/day
Females age 19 and older: 1.1 mg/day (1.4 mg needed during pregnancy and lactation)
The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods.
Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. National Academy Press. Washington, DC, 1998. PMID: 23193625 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23193625.