The water-soluble vitamin thiamine was named Vitamin B1 because it was the first compound of the vitamin B group that scientists were able to isolate. The body has only a very limited storage capacity for Vitamin B1, so a regular intake of this vitamin is necessary to avoid deficiency symptoms.
Natural Occurrence of Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 is found in significant quantities in only a few foods and, unfortunately, is completely absent from many foods we frequently consume (e.g., industrial sugar, white flour, polished rice, oils, fats). Since thiamine is a water-soluble and heat-sensitive vitamin, further thiamine losses occur when washing and cooking vegetables.
What are the functions of Vitamin B1?
The main function of Vitamin B1 is that of a coenzyme. Without its coenzyme, an enzyme is not functional. As a coenzyme, Vitamin B1 supports enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism and is therefore essential for both energy production from carbohydrates and sugar and for energy storage. It is also involved in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol.
Vitamin B1 also ensures that our nerves communicate correctly with each other, as it is involved in the nerve impulse transmission.
Furthermore, Vitamin B1 is important for muscles and for the heart. Vitamin B1 is also needed for elevated blood glucose levels, which can occur in poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. This is because thiamine can protect against the development of diabetic long-term complications.
Buy Vitamin B1
An additional intake of thiamine or Vitamin B1 as a dietary supplement, for example in the form of Vitamin B1 capsules or tablets, is recommended in case of a deficiency state: e.g., due to alcoholism, digestive and absorption disorders, and liver dysfunctions.
Vitamin B1 preparations also help with increased demand during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in dialysis patients.
In which foods is Vitamin B1 contained?
Significant amounts of Vitamin B1 are found in whole grain products, legumes, unpolished brown rice, corn, potatoes, mushrooms, peas, zucchini, fennel, fish, offal, and muscle meat.
Am I deficient in Vitamin B1?
High consumption of alcohol, coffee, and tea impairs thiamine supply. Intense physical exercise, fever, stress, burns, hyperthyroidism, liver diseases, and pubertal growth in adolescents also increase thiamine requirements. With high medication consumption, which is often necessary for chronic or severe illnesses, but also when taking the birth control pill, special attention should be paid to an adequate thiamine supply, otherwise a deficiency situation can arise.
Even if one point applies, your Vitamin B1 supply may be insufficient, which is why we recommend taking additional Vitamin B1 capsules:
- Do you eat too few whole grain products and legumes?
- Do you drink alcohol regularly?
- Do you have a very one-sided diet?
- Do you drink excessively large amounts of coffee and tea?
