The Thiamine is known throughout the world as vitamin B1, although not the vitamin component of the B type highlight, however , is a piece that together with other vitamins is necessary for the proper functioning of the body.
Its functionality is oriented to the conversion or processing of consumed carbohydrates into energy for the body, which is essential to ingest it frequently, in order to nourish the nervous system and the brain. The lack of this component reduces the defense capacity against the appearance of cardiovascular diseases or in the nervous system, then we will talk about thiamine and what it is for.
Index
What is thiamine for?
B1 or Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin and, like the rest of its vitamin group, fulfills the function of converting carbohydrates into energy, and thus contributes to the development of cells in the body.
In general, the B vitamins work together to achieve this function, however, for this process where carbohydrates are worked, an enzyme called “thiamine pyrophosphate” is necessary, which cannot be produced if thiamine is not consumed.
On the other hand, the brain feeds on ingested glucose, this type of sugar comes from carbohydrates, the lack of these causes fatigue, depression and forgetfulness, so when consuming thiamine both the brain and the nervous system have the ability to absorb the necessary amount of energy.
It also helps strengthen your heart and keep your muscles fully elastic and working, so it can pump blood and beat at the proper rate. Finally, thiamine can be consumed to solve stomach problems such as lack of appetite, chronic diarrhea and ulcerative colitis.
Principal functions
The main functions of vitamin B1 in the body.
- It is part of the functions involved in the chemical reactions that influence cellular respiration, which makes it easier for cells to transform carbohydrates into the energy necessary for different parts of the body such as the brain, nervous and digestive systems.
- It helps in the transport of sodium, so that it is treated correctly in the body.
- Facilitates the transformation and absorption of carbohydrates by metabolism.
- It allows fatty acids to be easily synthesized, improves digestion processes.
Foods that usually contain thiamine.
In the common diet of many people it is normal to find this vitamin in the foods they consume on a daily basis, however in some places where the diet consists of refined cereals which lack this type of vitamins that would cause a deficiency within the body.
In case of presenting a deficiency, it is advisable to consume the following foods.
- Liver meats and undoubtedly pork, there are also lean meats and fish,
- Cereals or bread, as well as pasta and nuts.
- Wheat germ, legume, beer yeast, and rice.
- -Finally you will find it in dairy products such as milk and yogurt, as well as fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce or spinach.
As an extra, vitamin b1 is found in different multivitamin supplements, both in those that have B vitamins as a whole, as well as others that only contain Thiamine, such as some dietary supplements called thiamine mononitrate and there is also hydrochloride of thiamine.
In some supplements, a synthetic model called benfotiamine has been developed, which is to replace thiamine.
People who usually have Thiamine deficiency
In general, this vitamin is present in the diet of many people, but certain behaviors lead to the absence of this component in the body, the consumption of alcohol and sulfites or also known as food preservatives are also capable of destroying them.
Among other products that affect the amount of this vitamin in the body are sweet fish such as shellfish since they have chemical substances that destroy or, the same happened with people who consume a large amount of coffee and tea since it seems that in low amounts the interaction with these products generates a reaction that eliminates their presence.
People who are often deficient in B1 include
- Mainly alcoholics are those who suffer the greatest thiamine deficiency, since they eat improperly and alcohol in the blood is responsible for eliminating what little there may be of it in the body.
- Elderly people usually present it due to an incorrect diet in their diets.
- People with HIV or AIDS.
- Those affected by diabetes. Since they expel a large amount of vitamin B1 during urination.
- Those who have undergone bariatric surgeries.
Consequences of the lack of Thiamine.
By consuming excessively or insufficiently, vitamin B1 can lead to a worrying weight loss, caused by lack of appetite and causing muscle weakness and problems in the cardiovascular area.
It is also capable of generating problems in the brain, since by not being able to nourish energy to the brain, it begins to present a large number of problems starting with the constant forgetfulness of matters, stress, exaggerated fatigue.
It is recommended to use it for
Thiamine is used effectively to combat different problems such as
- Metabolic problems : It is highly recommended to combat eating disorders associated with genetic origins such as the well-known leght disease or urine smelling of maple syrup and many more.
- Absence of Thiamine : Naturally combats the insufficiency of vitamin B1 in order to prevent and treat magnesium deficiency in the body.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome : Thiamine has been found to be effective in reducing the risk of suffering from mental disorders such as the syndrome, having good levels of thiamine reduces the effects of WKS and prevents its appearance.
If you liked this article, leave us your comment.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.