What Is It and What Are the Risk Factors?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on April 12, 2021

• What Are the Benefits of Thiamine?
• What Are Good Sources of Thiamine?
• Signs of Thiamine Deficiency
• Possible Complications of a Thiamine Deficiency
• Risk Factors for Thiamine Deficiency
• Treatment for Thiamine Deficiency
• More

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is an essential micronutrient. It helps the body function by taking energy from food and turning it into fuel for the brain, nerves, and heart. Thiamine is also needed for the body to process fats and proteins, but it is essential for processing carbohydrates like sugars and starches.

A thiamin deficiency can result in several health problems including confusion, seizures, shortness of breath, brain disease, coma, and more.

Thiamine plays an important role in helping your body function well. Some of the biggest benefits of thiamine include:

• Nervous system. Thiamin helps prevent complications in the nervous system, brain, muscles, heart, stomach, and intestines. 
• Electrolytes. It is also involved in the flow of electrolytes into and out of muscle and nerve cells.
• Disease. It helps prevent beriberi diseases, which involve disorders of the heart, nerves, and digestive system.
• Energy. Thiamine is considered a form of vitamin B that is water-soluble. It helps to convert what you eat and drink into energy or glucose.
• Organs. Thiamine vitamins are necessary for keeping the liver, skin, hair, and eyes healthy. They also play a role in the nervous system and are needed for good brain function.
• Stress. The B vitamins are sometimes called anti-stress vitamins because they boost the body’s immune system during stressful times.

Foods rich in this vitamin include:

• ‌Yeast
• Legumes
• Pork
• Brown rice
• Cereal
• Pasta
• Flour
• Trout
• Tuna
• Eggs
• Nuts and seeds

While fruit, vegetables, and dairy products are not very high in thiamine, they can become a substantial thiamine source when eaten in large amounts.

Thiamine can also be taken as a supplement, typically orally.

Thiamine deficiency is caused by not getting enough of this vitamin. This can occur in two ways: either too little thiamine is consumed or too much of it is lost. If you’re experiencing thiamine deficiency you’re likely to have one or a combination of these symptoms:

• Ataxia. Ataxia is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Many symptoms of Ataxia are similar to those of being drunk, such as slurred speech, stumbling, falling, and poor coordination.
• Confusion. You may experience the inability to think or reason in a focused, clear manner.
• Nystagmus. Nystagmus is a vision condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements.
• Irritability. Feelings of frustration or anger, often over seemingly small matters, may occur.
• Seizure. A seizure is a burst of uncontrolled electrical activity between brain cells (also called neurons or nerve cells) that causes temporary abnormalities in muscle tone or movements (e.g. stiffness, twitching, or limpness).
• Papilledema. Papilledema is a severe medical condition where the optic nerve at the back of the eye becomes swollen.
• Short-term memory loss. This condition is when you forget things you heard, saw, or did recently.
• Tachycardia. This condition results in a rapid heartbeat that may be regular or irregular but is out of proportion to age and exertion or activity level.
• Mood changes. Mood swings refer to rapid changes in mood. The term may refer to minor or significant mood changes on a daily basis.
• Edema. More commonly known as swelling, edema is puffiness caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues.
• Dyspnea. This condition results in shortness of breath. However, it can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease.
• Sensory-Motor Polyneuropathy. This condition is a body-wide (systemic) process that damages nerve cells, nerve fibers, and nerve coverings. Damage to the covering of the nerve cell causes nerve signals to slow or stop.

Left untreated, or if a thiamine deficiency is critical, complications can be severe:

• Deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood
• Coma
• Disease of the brain
• Heart failure
• Permanent nerve damage, which may limit sensation
• Psychosis
• Worsening of diabetic nerve damage

In some cases, thiamine deficiency can be life-threatening. Call 911 if you, or someone you are with, have any of these symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Garbled or slurred speech or inability to speak
• Paralysis or inability to move a body part

Several factors increase your risk of developing a thiamine deficiency. Because it is rare, most people with risk factors will not get thiamine deficiency. However, those who are experiencing the following may be more at risk:

• ‌Alcoholism
• Gastric bypass surgery
• Genetic beriberi (inability to absorb thiamine)
• Kidney disease
• Starvation
• Poor diet
• No or limited access to nutritious foods

The only treatment for thiamine deficiency is thiamine supplementation and changes to any underlying dietary habits that may have caused the deficiency. Thiamine supplementation can be given orally or by injection, depending on the type and cause of the deficiency.

If identified early and treated promptly, most symptoms should resolve. People who have thiamine deficiency should receive long-term monitoring of their thiamine levels to ensure that the deficiency does not return.

Top Picks

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Information | Mount Sinai

Thiamine

Vitamin B1, also called thiamine or thiamin, is one of 8 B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body uses to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B-complex vitamins, also help the body metabolize fats and protein. B-complex vitamins are needed for a healthy liver, skin, hair, and eyes. They also help the nervous system function properly and are needed for good brain function.

All B vitamins are water soluble, meaning that the body does not store them.

Like other B-complex vitamins, thiamine is sometimes called an “anti-stress” vitamin because it may strengthen the immune system and improve the body’s ability to withstand stressful conditions. It is named B1 because it was the first B vitamin discovered.

Thiamine is found in both plants and animals and plays a crucial role in certain metabolic reactions. Your body needs it to form adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which every cell of the body uses for energy.

It is rare to be deficient in thiamine, although alcoholics, people with Crohn disease, anorexia, and those undergoing kidney dialysis may be deficient. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency are:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Depression
• Abdominal discomfort

People with thiamine deficiency also have trouble digesting carbohydrates. This allows a substance called pyruvic acid to build up in the bloodstream, causing a loss of mental alertness, difficulty breathing, and heart damage, a disease known as beriberi.

Beriberi

The most important use of thiamine is to treat beriberi, which is caused by not getting enough thiamine in your diet. Symptoms include:

• Swelling, tingling, or burning sensation in the hands and feet
• Confusion
• Trouble breathing because of fluid in the lungs
• Uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus)

People in the developed world usually do not get beriberi because foods such as cereals and breads are fortified with vitamin B1.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disorder caused by thiamine deficiency. Wernicke-Korsakoff is actually two disorders. Wernicke disease involves damage to nerves in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is often caused by malnutrition due to alcoholism. Korsakoff syndrome is characterized by memory problems and nerve damage. High doses of thiamine can improve muscle coordination and confusion, but rarely improves memory loss.

Cataracts

Preliminary evidence suggests that thiamine, along with other nutrients, may lower the risk of developing cataracts. People with plenty of protein and vitamins A, B1, B2, and B3 (or niacin) in their diet are less likely to develop cataracts. Getting enough vitamins C, E, and B complex vitamins, particularly B1, B2, B9 (folic acid), and B12, may further protect the lens of your eyes from developing cataracts. More research is needed.

Alzheimer disease

Lack of thiamine can cause dementia in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. So researchers have speculated that thiamine might help Alzheimer disease. Oral thiamine has been shown to improve cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer. However, absorption of thiamine is poor in elderly individuals. More research is needed before thiamine can be proposed as a treatment for Alzheimer disease.

Heart failure

Thiamine may be related to heart failure because many people with heart failure take diuretics (water pills), which help rid the body of excess fluid. But diuretics may also cause the body to get rid of too much thiamine. A few small studies suggest that taking thiamine supplements may help. Taking a daily multivitamin should provide enough thiamine.

Depression

Low levels of thiamine are associated with depression. In one study of elderly Chinese adults, poor thiamine levels were associated with a higher risk of depression.

Dietary Sources

Most foods contain small amounts of thiamine. Large amounts can be found in:

• Pork
• Beef
• Poultry
• Organ meats

Other good dietary sources of thiamine include:

• Whole-grain or enriched cereals and rice
• Legumes
• Wheat germ
• Bran
• Brewer’s yeast
• Nuts
• Blackstrap molasses

Available Forms

Vitamin B1 can be found in multivitamins (including children’s chewable and liquid drops), B complex vitamins, or it can be sold individually. It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets, soft gels, and lozenges. It may also be labeled as thiamine hydrochloride or thiamine mononitrate. In cases of severe deficiency, thiamine can be administered intravenously.

How to Take It

As with all medications and supplements, check with your health care provider before giving vitamin B1 supplements to a child.

Daily recommendations for dietary vitamin B1, according to the National Academy of Sciences, are as follows:

Pediatric

• Newborns, 6 months: 0.2 mg (adequate intake)
• Infants, 7 months to 1 year: 0.3 mg (adequate intake)
• Children, 1 to 3 years: 0.5 mg (RDA)
• Children, 4 to 8 years: 0.6 mg (RDA)
• Children, 9 to 13 years: 0.9 mg (RDA)
• Men, 14 to 18 years: 1.2 mg (RDA)
• Women, 14 to 18 years: 1 mg (RDA)

Adult

• Men, 19 years and older: 1. 2 mg (RDA)
• Women, 19 years and older: 1.1 mg (RDA)
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: 1.4 mg (RDA)

Doctors determine the appropriate doses for conditions like beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Doctors give thiamine intravenously for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

A daily dose of 50 to 100 mg is often taken as a supplement. Thiamine appears safe in these doses. But you should talk to your doctor before taking a large amount.

Precautions

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Thiamine is generally safe. Very high doses may cause stomach upset.

Taking any one of the B vitamins for a long period of time can result in an imbalance of other important B vitamins. For this reason, you may want to take a B-complex vitamin, which includes all the B vitamins.

Possible Interactions

If you are currently taking any of the following medications, you should not use vitamin B1 without first talking to your doctor.

Digoxin: Laboratory studies suggest that digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions, may reduce the ability of heart cells to absorb and use vitamin B1. This may be particularly true when digoxin is combined with furosemide (Lasix, a loop diuretic).

Diuretics (water pills): Diuretics, particularly furosemide (Lasix), which belongs to a class called loop diuretics, may reduce levels of vitamin B1 in the body. It is possible that other diuretics may have the same effect. If you take a diuretic, ask your doctor if you need a thiamine supplement.

Phenytoin (Dilantin): Preliminary evidence suggests that some people taking phenytoin have lower levels of thiamine in their blood, which may contribute to the side effects of the drug. However, this is not true of all people who take phenytoin. If you take phenytoin, ask your doctor if you need a thiamine supplement.

Supporting Research

Ambrose, ML, Bowden SC, Whelan G. Thiamin treatment and working memory function of alcohol-dependent people: preliminary findings. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2001;25(1):112-16.

Bonucchi J, Hassan I, Policeni B, Kaboli P. Thyrotoxicosis associated with Wernicke’s encephalopathy. J Gen Intern Med. 2008;23(1):106-109.

Bruno EJ Jr, Ziegenfuss TN. Water-soluble vitamins: research update. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2005 Aug;4(4):207-13. Review.

Costantini A, Pala MI. Thiamine and fatigue in inflammatory bowel diseases: an open-label pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2013;19(8):704-8.

Cumming RG, Mitchell P, Smith W. Diet and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.Ophthalmology. 2000;107(3):450-56.

Daroff. Bradley’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012.

DiNicolantonio JJ, Niazi AK, Lavie CJ, O’Keefe JH, Ventura HO. Thiamine supplementation for the treatment of heart failure: a review of the literature. Congest Heart Fail. 2013;19(4):214-22.

Gibson GE, Blass JP. Thiamine-dependent processes and treatment strategies in neurodegeneration. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2007 Aug 8; [Epub ahead of print].

Isenberg-Grzeda E, Chabon B, Nicolson SE. Prescribing thiamine to impatients with alcohol use disorders: how well are we doing? J Addict Med. 2014;8(1):1-5.

Jacques PF, Chylack LT Jr, Hankinson SE, et al. Long-term nutrient intake and early age-related nuclear lens opacities. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119(7):1009-19.

Kliegman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 46.

Kuzniarz M, Mitchell P, Cumming RG, Flood VM. Use of vitamin supplements and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2001;132(1):19-26.

Lonsdale D. A review of the biochemistry, metabolism and clinical benefits of thiamin(e) and its derivatives. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2006 Mar;3(1):49-59.

Lu’o’ng K, Nguyen LT. Role of thiamine in Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2011;26(8):588-98.

McPherson & Pincus: Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2007.

Moonen M, Lancellotti P, Betz R, Lambermont B, Pierard L. Beriberi. Rev Med Liege. 2007;62(7-8):523-30.

National Academy of Sciences. Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommended Intakes for Individuals, Vitamins. Accessed June 1, 2011.

Raschke M, et al. Vitamin B1 biosynthesis in plants requires the essential iron sulfur cluster protein, THIC. Proc Natl Acad Sci. USA. 2007;104(49):19637-42.

Rodriquez-Martin JL, Qizilbash N, Lopez-Arrieta JM. Thiamine for Alzheimer’s disease (Cochrane Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001;2:CD001498.

Roman-Campos D, Cruz JS. Current aspects of thiamine deficiency on heart function. Life Sci. 2014;98(1):1-5.

Sarma S, Gheorghiade M. Nutritional assessment and support of the patient with acute heart failure. Curr Opin Crit Care. 2010 Oct;16(5):413-18. Review.

Sica DA. Loop diuretic therapy, thiamine balance, and heart failure. Congest Heart Fail. 2007 Jul-Aug;13(4):244-47.

Soukoulis V, Dihu JB, Sole M, Anker SD, Cleland J, Fonarow GC, Metra M, Pasini E, Strzelczyk T, Taegtmeyer H, Gheorghiade M. Micronutrient deficiencies an unmet need in heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2009 Oct 27;54(18):1660-1673. Review.

Thomson AD, Marshall EJ. The treatment of patients at risk of developing Wernicke’s encephalopathy in the community. Alcohol. 2006 Mar-Apr;41(2):159-67. Epub 2005 Dec 29.

Thompson J. Vitamins, minerals and supplements: part two. Community Pract. 2005 Oct;78(10):366-8. Review.

Witte KK, Clark AL, Cleland JG. Chronic heart failure and micronutrients. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001;37(7):1765-74.

What is b1 vitamin

B1 vitamin contains the substance thiamine, which is a crystal, easily soluble in water. The substance thiamine refers to substances containing mainly sulfur.

The absence of thiamine in the required amount is not as harmless as it seems, as it can lead to a very serious illness. The disease caused by a lack of vitamin B1 is called “take-take”, it can lead to paralysis, and subsequently to death.

Particular attention to the dose of this vitamin should be paid during active physical or mental stress, the occurrence of acute respiratory diseases, as well as constant low temperature. But in any case, it is best to get vitamin B1 in natural products, that is, of plant or animal origin.

The modern market provides a wide range of drugs containing vitamin B1 in high doses. And the relatively low cost and the ability to purchase these drugs without a special doctor’s prescription makes it affordable for most consumers. The price of vitamin B1 mainly depends on the company and the country of the manufacturer, while almost every pharmacy represents a fairly extensive range of companies, so you can buy vitamin B1 quite calmly and without hindrance.

First of all, the intake of vitamin B1 is necessary for normal brain activity, since thiamine contributes to the activation of brain functions. Thiamine has a general tonic effect for the body, since when it is used in the proper amount, appetite is restored, muscle tone increases, and, therefore, the cardiovascular system, stomach and digestive tract organs begin to function much better. Vitamin B1 is especially useful for smokers, since thiamine prevents the destructive action that occurs when using tobacco products or when addicted to alcohol.

The use of vitamin B1 is completely safe for human health; an allergy may occur as a side reaction, but only in persons with personal intolerance to thiamine.

From the history

The first discovery of vitamin B1 is usually attributed to 1926, but in fact B1 adopted its modern composition only 10 years later. This vitamin is unique in that it is resistant to the external environment and is able to withstand high temperature treatment. But in an alkaline environment, this quality is lost, and it splits easily.

Contraindications

Allergic diseases.

Source

Vitamin is contained in many foods that should be included in the daily diet. First of all, you should eat vegetables to maintain a stable level of vitamin B1, especially tomatoes, cabbage and carrots. Also, rye bread and cereals from cereals of various grindings should not be avoided. Foods containing B vitamins include potatoes, asparagus, legumes and, naturally, liver.

Cosmetic properties

Many cosmetic companies actively saturate their products with B vitamins, which is quite justified, because the lack of these vitamins in the body affects the appearance of a person, this pattern can be especially clearly traced by the condition of the hair. The benefits of vitamin B1 for hair have long been studied and officially recognized.

With a lack of vitamin B1, namely the substance thiamine, hair growth slows down significantly and its structure becomes quite thin. Another symptom of the lack of this substance is the dullness of the hair. This condition of the hair requires eating foods that contain vitamin B1, such as beef, dairy products, liver, rye bread, bran.

Daily requirement

It is believed that a person should receive from 2 to 2.5 milligrams of vitamin B1 daily.

Subscription

Useful newsletters in your mail. It remains only to subscribe

Data processing

when subscribing

Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Water soluble vitamins.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

In Eastern countries until the 20th century, beriberi was a widespread disease that affected the nervous system. Chickens fed peeled rice helped to reveal the cause of the disease. They experienced the same symptoms as people who eat refined rice. Subsequently, it was found that beriberi is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1, which is contained in rice husks, which are removed along with it during the cleaning of rice. Today, synthetic thiamine is added to polished rice and white flour.

Thiamine is best known as the pep vitamin due to its effects on the nervous system and mental abilities.

Sources of vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Wholemeal bread, cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, millet), nuts, liver, brewer’s yeast are the richest in thiamine. Of the products of animal origin, pork and veal are distinguished by a high content of vitamin B1. But vegetables and fruits contain little of it, with the exception of green peas, potatoes, cauliflower. Also, vitamin B1 is synthesized by the microflora of the colon.

Daily requirement of vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Almost every modern person needs an additional intake of thiamine. The daily norm for an adult is 1.7 mg. The need for this vitamin increases during pregnancy, lactation, hyperthyroidism, and high physical activity. Also, older people should get more vitamin B1.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Vitamin B1 and the nervous system

Vitamin B1 plays a particularly important role in carbohydrate metabolism. Glucose is the only source of energy for nerve cells. If nerve cells do not receive their daily dose of glucose, they grow, trying to increase contact with the smallest blood vessels from which valuable nutrition can be obtained due to a larger area. But, in enlarged nerve cells, glucose uptake is reduced by 60 percent. At the same time, the protective layer of nerve cells becomes thinner, losing its natural consistency and viscosity, that is, that certain degree of fluidity that cholesterol, phosphorus-containing and protein substances contained in it should have. The result is “bare”, irritated nerves.

Thiamine has a calming effect on the nervous system. Therefore, it is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Vitamin B1 and mental activity

This vitamin is purposefully delivered by the blood to those cells that consume a large amount of carbohydrates, and, as it was said, first of all, nerve cells. Once in the “disaster zone”, thiamine rushes to the aid of vitamin B4 molecules – choline, in order to prevent their premature decay. This is very important, since choline not only nourishes the protective layer of nerve cells, but is also an integral part of the nerve exciter acetylcholine, which prevents 100 billion brain cells from aging and allows you to maintain a good memory until old age. This vitamin plays a special role in the education of children. Therefore, maintaining the required level of thiamine in the blood is the best defense against mental overwork. In Alzheimer’s disease, there is a significantly low content of vitamin B1 in the blood.

Vitamin B1 and cardiovascular disease

Severe vitamin B1 deficiency leads to beriberi disease. One of the manifestations is a violation of the contraction of the heart muscle – congestive heart failure with high cardiac output. Accompanied by convulsions, anorexia, undesirable changes in the cardiovascular system appear – arterial hypotension.

Vitamin B1, like all B vitamins, reduces the level of homocysteine, an amino acid whose high level is associated with the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Vitamin B1 and metabolism

Thiamine, actively interacting with vitamin B12 and folic acid, is involved in the synthesis of methionine – an amino acid necessary for the neutralization of toxic products, maintaining the nitrogen balance of the body, growth, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. This causes the lipotropic effect of thiamine (removal of excess fat from the liver).

Vitamin B1 and immunity

It has been noticed that thiamine in combination with other B vitamins and ascorbic acid help the body resist infectious and viral diseases, due to their additional influence on each other. Therefore, vitamin B1 is especially useful for children prone to frequent colds.

Vitamin B1 and diseases of the digestive tract

Thiamine normalizes the acidity of gastric juice, motor function of the stomach and intestines. Therefore, it is used for stomach ulcers, chronic gastritis, enterocolitis, in the complex therapy of liver cirrhosis and hepatitis.

Hypovitaminosis

Early symptoms of B1-hypovitaminosis are:

• increased irritability;
• constant fatigue;
• lack of appetite;
• memory loss.

Then there are: deterioration of sleep, lethargy, muscle weakness and the first warning signs – itching and tingling in the legs, palpitations, depression.

Contraindications and side effects

Vitamin B1 is contraindicated in persons intolerant to this vitamin. Side effects are allergic reactions (skin itching, urticaria).

Hypervitaminosis

High doses of vitamin B1 with long-term use lead to impaired liver and kidney function.