| |
|
Thiamin is also known as vitamin B1. Thiamin is derived from a substituted pyrimidine and a thiazole which are coupled by a methylene bridge. Thiamin is rapidly converted to its active form, thiamin pyrophosphate, TPP, in the brain and liver by a specific enzymes, thiamin diphosphotransferase.
Food Sources of Vitamin B1
Sunflower seeds, peanuts, wheat bran, beef liver, pork, seafood, egg-yolk, beans all contain good amounts of thiamin.
Dairy products fruits, and vegetables are not very high in thiamine, but when consumed in large amounts, they become a significant source.
Functions of Vitamin B1
Thiamine (vitamin B1) helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy.
The vitamin B 1 also helps convert excess blood glucose into stored fat. It maintains proper nerve-impulse transmission, optimizes cognitive activity, and maintains brain function. The vitamin B 1 also maintains the muscles of the intestines, stomach, and heart. Thiamine additionally has an antioxidant effect, protecting the body from the harmful effects of alcohol, pollutants, and smoking.
Dosage
Male 1.4 mg per day and female 1.0 mg per day, although 50 mg is usually used in supplementation.
If the carbohydrate content of the diet is excessive then an in thiamin intake will be required.
What are the deficiency symptoms of vitamin B1?
May lead to the loss of appetite; weakness & feeling tired; paralysis & nervous irritability; insomnia; loss of weight; vague aches & pains; mental depression & Constipation; heart & gastrointestinal problems.
Chronic thiamin deficiency leads to more severe neurological symptoms including ataxia, mental confusion and loss of eye coordination. Other clinical symptoms of prolonged thiamin deficiency are related to cardiovascular and musculature defects.
The severe thiamin deficiency disease known as Beriberi, is the result of a diet that is carbohydrate rich and thiamin deficient. An additional thiamin deficiency related disease is known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome . This disease is most commonly found in chronic alcoholics due to their poor dietetic lifestyles.
Overdosage signs of vitamin B1
Signs of an overdose may include hypersensitive reactions resembling anaphylactic shock,
Drowsiness.
There are only a few reports of toxic reactions to intravenous thiamin, resulting mainly in an anaphylactic reaction.
How to Store the Vitamin B1?
Heat and/or moisture may alter the vitamin. Refrigeration is recommended.
Vitamin B1 Deficiency
Beriberi
|
