Definition

Vitamin B1, otherwise known as thiamine, is an important vitamin for processing and creating energy in the body. It does not actively get broken down like carbohydrates, proteins and fats do to create energy, rather, it helps allow these processes to happen.

Health considerations

A deficiency in this vitamin brings about a condition called beriberi. People with this condition can experience weakness, apathy, irritability, nerve tingling, poor co-ordination, paralysis, rapid heartbeat, enlargement of the heart and congestive heart failure. Due to a lack of vitamin B1 in white rice, populations that use white rice as a staple in their diet have a higher prevalence of this condition. Otherwise, there has been no evidence that overconsumption of vitamin B1 is linked to any health concerns.

May be found in

Enriched breakfast cereals, enriched breads, pork, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, organ meats

References

Nutrition: Science and Applications

Alternative Spellings and Names

Thiamin, Thiamine, Vit B1, thiamin hydrochloride, thiamin mononitrate

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