B1 - Thiamine

Vitamin B1 for energy

Thiamine (thiamine), or vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in some foods, added to foods, and sold as a supplement. Thiamine plays a vital role in the growth and function of various cells. Only small amounts are stored in the liver, so a daily intake of thiamine-rich foods is required.

Because thiamine is involved in many basic cell functions and the breakdown of nutrients for energy, a deficiency can lead to various problems in the brain and heart that require a constant supply of energy.

Thiamine deficiency can lead to abnormal motor functions in the heart. Congestive heart failure is a condition that prevents the heart from properly pumping blood to the rest of the body. The rate of thiamine deficiency in people with congestive heart failure ranges from 21%-98%. It occurs especially in the elderly, those with poor dietary intake or using high doses of diuretics.

Thiamine is destroyed by high temperature cooking or long cooking times. It also washes off in water and will be lost in any cooking or soaking water that is thrown out. It can also be removed during food processing, such as with refined white bread and rice. This is why thiamin is fortified or re-added to many breads, cereals and processed grains.
Some foods and beverages such as tea, shellfish, clams, and raw fish contain thiaminases, or enzymes that inactivate thiamine, but developing thiamine deficiency from eating these foods is extremely rare.

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