Thiamin

Essential for

releasing energy from food
carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism
healthy growth
healthy skin, blood, hair and muscles
a healthy brain and nervous system
alcohol metabolism

Absorption and metabolism

Daily intake is necessary.

Deficiency

Symptoms include fatigue, depression, reduced mental functioning, muscle cramps, nausea, heart enlargement and eventually beriberi, which can cause paralysis. Alcoholics are at particular risk of thiamin deficiency.

Sources

These include meat, whole grains, fish and nuts.

Daily recommended dietary intakes

Men                        1.2 mg

Women                  1.1 mg

Pregnancy              1.4 mg

Lactation                1.5 mg

Toxic effects of excess intake

Toxicity is rare. Symptoms include headache, irritability, hyperthyroidism and insomnia.

Interactions

Alcohol reduces thiamin absorption and conversion to the biologically active form. Digoxin, indomethacin, anticonvulsants, antac- ids and diuretics increase the risk of deficiency.

Therapeutic uses of supplements

Thiamin supplements have been used to improve mental function in alcoholics and the elderly. They may be useful in times of stress and have also been used to treat fatigue, irritability, depression, to aid digestion, and to promote healing.

Thiamin Categories:

Thiamin
Thiamin Health
Thiamin Absorption
Thiamin Deficiency
Thiamin Sources
Thiamin Recommended Daily
Thiamin Overdose
Thiamin Supplements
Thiamin Interactions

Other Vitamins:

Vitamin A
Carotenes
Beta carotene
Lycopene
Lutein
Thiamin
Riboflavin
Niacin
Vitamin B6
Folate
Vitamin B12
Biotin
Pantothenic acid
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K