Vitamin B1 identifies a group of water soluble vitamins that are not stored in the body in signifcant quantities. Since it normally flushes out of the body quickly, it must be ingested on a daily basis. It plays a role in numerous chemical processes inside the body. It is also known as thiamine, thiamin and aneurin.

Vitamin B1 is required for the processing of carbohydrates, fat, and protein, and using them to create energy in the form of ATP. Nerve cells also need vitamin B1 for normal functioning. Thiamin also promotes good circulation and supports normal cognitive brain function. It also functions as an antioxidant, guarding the body from the damaging effects of free radicals. Thiamin deficiency can happen due to a number of factors, including severe dieting, alcoholism, liver disease, and kidney dialysis. People who ingest large amounts of sugary foods, soft drinks, and processed foods may also have an elevated risk of deficiency. Read more about the benefits and functions of vitamin B1 and signs of vitamin B1 deficiency.

Vitamin B1 can be obtained from a wide variety of foods, including fortified bread, cereals, and pastas, whole grains, pork, fish, eggs, peas, beans, and soybeans. Dairy products, vegetables and fruits do not contain large amounts of vitamin B1, but can supply significant amounts when eaten in larger quantities. Read more about sources of vitamin B1 and the daily requirement of vitamin B1.

Thiamin is a water-soluble nutrient, and thus, is difficult to ingest in levels which are toxic. Risk of vitamin B1 toxicity through diet is very low.. However, when taken via an injection, there have been a small number of reported cases of anaphylactic shock. Read more about vitamin B1 overdose.

Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin composed of a substituted pyrimidine ring connected by a methylene bridge to a substituted thiazole ring. In the body, the vitamin B1 is found in the largest amounts in the muscles, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. Vitamin B1 exists in food souces as three types: free form thiamin, thiamin pyrophospate (TPP) and as a protein phosphate complex.

Vitamin B1 can be produced in the large intestine as thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP). The primary circulating type of the vitamin is thiamine diphosphate (TDP) which is located nearly exclusively in the red blood cells. The TPP molecule is too big to be absorbed via the intestinal lining. It needs to use an enzyme to separate the smaller thiamin molecule from the compound. TDP is a cofactor for a number of different enzymes: pyruvate dehydrogenase, transketolase, and thiamine triphosphate, which is believed to be vital for nerve conduction.

Vitamin B1 can be found in supplements as both thiamin hydrochloride and thiamin nitrate. These types are also the ones utilized to fortify foods. Thiamin pyrophosphate or cocarboxylase can also be found in certain products.

Vitamin B1 helps prevent beriberi. Breads, flours and cereals are regularly fortified with thiamin so there is little chance of a deficiency for most people, which results in little risk of beriberi.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Articles:

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Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Benefits, Functions, Signs of Deficiency

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Daily Requirement, Dietary Sources

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