Why Do We Need Vitamin B1?

Thiamin (vitamin B1) is is a water-soluble vitamin needed to process carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Every cell of the body requires vitamin B1 to form the fuel the body runs on.

Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin B1 Deficiency
Difficulty digesting carbohydrates (sugars)
May contribute to glucose intolerance
Poor appetite, weight loss
Fatigue, weakness
Loss of mental alertness
Depression
Difficulty breathing
Heart and vascular damage
Swelling, tingling or burning sensation in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
Nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movements)
Cataracts (cloudy lens in the eye)
May contribute to heart failure (heart fails as a pump)
May contribute to Alzheimer’s disease

Vitamin B1 has been shown to be beneficial in the following conditions:
Depression
Beriberi
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Prevention of cataracts in combination with other vitamins
Burns
Congestive heart failure/cardiomyopathy, especially on diuretics
Chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Pregnancy
Anorexia nervosa
Cirrhosis of the liver

Prescription Medications that deplete Vitamin B1:
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Furosemide (Lasix) and other loop diuretics (Bumex, Demadex)
Thiazide and other diuretics.
Alcohol (chronic use).

Laboratory Testing for Vitamin B1:
Assays of red blood cell transketolase activity and thiamine pyrophosphate effect.
Direct assays with high performance liquid chromatography fluorimetry.
Leukocyte functional tests.

Best Food Sources of Vitamin B1:
Found in most foods in limited quantities:
Pork, organ meats, such as liver and kidney, whole grain or enriched cereals and rice, wheat germ, bran, brewer’s yeast, and blackstrap molasses.