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“Vitamin B1 (thiamin) facts”
Interesting facts about vitamin B1 (thiamin):
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it is easily absorbed in the body (as most of the body is made of water and so are most of the foods eaten), but some of it may be lost in cooking.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is needed to help metabolise carbohydrates from foods eaten. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body and it is particularly needed for the brain, which is the biggest user of the energy produced in the body.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is required to enable the body to process, absorb and use glucose from foods eaten. Without adequate vitamin B1 (thiamin) intake, the body would have difficulty using glucose properly.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is required to help convert fatty acids from foods eaten into the steroid hormones that are needed by the body at healthy levels. These steroid hormones are: cortisone, testosterone, progesterone, aldosterone.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is needed to promote normal growth and development in all the cells in the body and this means it is particularly important at times of increased growth, such as for the growing foetus in the womb, babies and young children to teenagers. These groups especially need to ensure their levels of vitamin B1 (thiamin) is adequate to meet their requirements for normal growth and development.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is needed to maintain a healthy nervous system as it ensures that it receives adequate energy in the form of glucose to maintain it at a healthy level. The nervous system and the brain are very sensitive to carbohydrate metabolism and will be at high risk for damage if vitamin B1 (thiamin) intake is low.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) keeps the heartbeat strong and healthy by ensuring that the heart muscle is elastic and pliable, so that it continues to beat in a regular and normal manner. A person low on vitamin B1 (thiamin), may have heart muscle that may not be elastic enough and could lead to abnormal heartbeat
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is needed to make sure the muscles are healthy and functioning properly by providing the nerves that enervate them enough energy to make the muscles contract and function properly.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is vital in helping to ensure that the mucous membranes are moist and healthy, which means they can be effective in defending the body from any pathogens (viruses or bacteria) that try to enter the body via the passages that are lined with mucous membranes and have an external opening (such as the nasal passage and mouth).
Research from numerous studies indicate that low intake of vitamin B1 (thiamin) and a subsequent deficiency are associated with mental health disorders. Some studies have shown that vitamin B1 (thiamin) may be useful in alleviating anxiety disorder symptoms in people who experience anxiety. Other studies show that vitamin B1 (thiamin) may also be useful in managing mood problems such as irritability and agitation. Research has also shown that people with schizophrenia have low levels of vitamin B1 (thiamin). Deficiency in vitamin B1 (thiamin) shows up as confusion, difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability and personality changes, which all can be symptoms of a mental health disorder too.
Certain foods, if eaten at the same time as foods rich in vitamin B1 (thiamin) can destroy (or block) the vitamin B1 (thiamin). Foods such as alcohol and tea cause vitamin B1 (thiamin) to not be absorbed from the food eaten.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) levels are quickly depleted and will need to be replaced at various times of stress on the body or increased metabolic activity, such as illness, fever, overactive thyroid, stress (both physical and mental), strenuous physical activity. All these can greatly reduce vitamin B1 (thiamin) levels and cause a deficiency.
The vitamin B1 (thiamin) from foods (or supplements) will be absorbed at a much better rate when foods (or supplements) rich in the other B vitamins (vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B12) and magnesium are eaten at the same time as foods rich in vitamin B1 (thiamin).
Certain foods are really rich in vitamin B1 (thiamin) and can be easily found in most people's diets - wholegrains as well as in meat.
Disclaimer: The advice on this site should be viewed as a general guideline only and it should not replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your medical or health care provider to get the advice and care for your particular and individual health, nutrition, diet and fitness circumstances.