Thiamine—or vitamin B1—is a water-soluble compound required for carbohydrate metabolism in humans. It functions as a co-enzyme that is required for the series of biochemical reactions needed to convert carbohydrates to energy that our body can use.
One of the earliest vitamins discovered, vitamin B1 (thiamine)’s origin was found by Japanese navy doctor—Takaki— observed that sailors fed a diet of meat, white rice and barley were cured of the Beriberi diseases—now known to be caused by vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. Unfortunately Takaki wrongly based this recovery on increased nitrogen intake. Moreover the navy felt that these additional dietary items were too expensive and sailors continued to die of Beri Beri. The connection between vitamin B1 (thiamine) and grains was actually made by a military doctor who discovered that birds fed a diet of polished rice were paralysed and that this paralysis was reversed by discontinuing polished rice. Many further studies have led to increased understanding of thiamine, especially the various health consequences of vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency.
Functions in the body
Energy production
Our body needs a constant supply of energy for all the cellular processes to function. Food must undergo a complex series of reactions to be converted into energy. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is vital for the metabolism of food to energy. It is not only needed to metabolise glucose but also to allow the conversion of carbohydrate to fat for storage. Fat is utilised in periods of low energy supply such as starvation, upon which it is broken down into energy. Without sufficient vitamin B1 (thiamine) the energy producing cycle in our body would effectively stop ‘spinning’ resulting in insufficient energy for our body to function.
Healthy nervous system
Thiamine is needed to help catalyse the reactions for generation of essential chemicals in the brain. Thiamine deficiency leads to tissue damage in the brain resulting in a dysfunctional nervous system causing uncoordinated movements and muscle function. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a result of thiamine deficiency manifesting as visual impairments, lack of muscle coordination and a decline in mental ability. Thiamine supplements can effectively treat this disease.
Maintaining a healthy heart
Our heart muscle never stops working, and as such needs a constant supply of energy. Thiamine is needed for the generation of pyruvate in the heart—a molecule produced as a result of food breakdown that goes on to be used to produce energy. Often vitamin is ignored however deficieny is highly likely in those on diuretic drugs to help manage their blood pressure due to urinary losses. Thiamine supplementation has been shown to effective against treating congenital heart disease in children with severe malnutrition. Moreover supplementation has also improved the function of the ventricles of the heart in patients with congestive heart failure. Often this vitamin is ignored however deficiency is highly likely in those on diuretic drugs to help manage their blood pressure due to urinary losses.
Maintaining adequate intake
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is found mostly in cereal grains and seeds and in many countries fortified flour and other items are available. The recommended intake levels differ across age groups and during lactation when the requirements increase. To prevent deficiency include the following items in your diet:
- Wholegrains, fortified breakfast cereals, wheat bread
- Rice
- Trout
- Black beans
- Macaroni
References
1. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0006295266902796
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6398618
3. http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/8/5/744.full.pdf
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