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Thiamin (Vitamin B-1)

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Isolated and characterized in the 1930's, thiamin was one of the first organic compounds to be recognized as a vitamin.

Thiamin is needed for energy metabolism, in particular the release of energy from carbohydrates.

Thiamin is essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, helps regulate appetite and supports normal muscle function, including the heart muscle. A thiamin deficiency results in the disease beriberi.

Thiamin deficiency is rare in the US, except with chronic alcoholism. Alcohol impairs the absorption and storage of thiamin. Thiamin deficiency is associated with some of the symptoms of alcoholism such as mental confusion, visual disturbances and staggering gait.

Beriberi, the disease resulting from severe thiamin deficiency, was described in Chinese literature as early as 2600 B.C. Thiamin deficiency affects the cardiovascular, nervous, muscular, and gastrointestinal systems. Beriberi has been termed dry, wet, and cerebral, depending on the systems affected by severe thiamin deficiency Beriberi can affect the cardiovascular system and the nervous system.

Additional deficiency symptoms include fatigue, anorexia, insomnia, and muscle aches and pains, depression, heart and digestive system problems.

Sources of Thiamin
Whole grain cereals, legumes (e.g., beans and lentils), nuts, lean pork, and yeast are rich sources of thiamin.

Because most of the thiamin is lost during the production of white flour and polished (milled) rice, white rice and foods made from white flour (e.g., bread and pasta) are fortified with thiamin.

A varied diet should provide most individuals with adequate thiamin to prevent deficiency. The U.S. RDA for thiamin is 1.5 milligrams per day.

Thiamin Supplements

Thiamin by Jarrow Formulas helps turn carbohydrates into energy and helps promote healthy nerves. Vitamin B1 by Nature's Way is utilized by the liver, brain, and other tissues to synthesize thiamin diphosphate (TDP). TDP is critical for the metabolism of carbohydrates into energy.

See also: Vitamin B1

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