Vitamin B1 

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1, also called thiamine, is one of the eight vitamins that make up B-complex. These water-soluble vitamins are used by the body to convert carbohydrates into the energy you need to function, as well as to metabolize fats and proteins.

Benefits of Vitamin B1

Together, the B vitamins help to maintain healthy skin, hair, eyes, liver and brain function, and keep your nervous system working smoothly. It also improves your ability to withstand stress that’s why it has earned the nickname the “anti-stress” vitamin.

Supports a Healthy Heart

Recent studies have shown that thiamine can help fight heart disease by maintaining healthy ventricular function. In one study, thiamine supplementation in patients with heart failure improved the percentage of blood leaving the heart during each contraction.^[1]

Prevents Nerve Damage

Thiamine aids in the proper development of myelin sheaths, which are the protective covering of nerves.^[2]  

Treats Alcoholism

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), a brain disorder characterized by involuntary muscle movement, nerve damage, altered mental status and trouble walking, is related to low thiamine levels and is often seen in chronic alcoholics. In one study, high doses of thiamine were able to decrease the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.^[3]

Improves Cognition in People with Alzheimer’s Disease

A 12-week open trial assessing the effects of Fursultiamine, a derivative of thiamine, at an oral dose of 100 mg/day in patients with Alzheimer’s disease had beneficial effect in emotional and mental symptoms as well as intellectual function.^[4]

Enhances Learning and Improves Mood

Studies have shown that low levels of thiamine are associated with problems learning and retaining information. One study have shown that daily thiamine supplementation at a dose of 50 mg for 2 months resulted in quick reaction times and feelings of clear-headedness.^[5] The participants also reported an increase in energy levels after the treatment.

Prevents Eye Disorders

As thiamine deficiency has been associated with degeneration of nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord, researchers also linked thiamine deficiency to degeneration of the optic nerve. In one study, thiamine has been found to be deficient in patients with glaucoma.^[6] According to the Blue Mountains Eye Study, longer duration of thiamine supplementation was associated with reduced cataract prevalence.^[7]

Accelerates Wound Healing

In one study, 3 mg of thiamine was able to speed up the wound healing process and scar development by increasing collagen levels.^[8]

Prevents Cancer

Researchers reported that thiamine supplementation in doses between 12.5 and 250 times the recommended dietary allowance was able to inhibit tumor growth by 10-36%.^[9]

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

In one study assessing the effects of daily thiamine supplementation at a dose of 100 mg in patients with type 2 diabetes, a significant decrease in total cholesterol and triglycerides was observed after three months.^[10]

Helps in Pain Relief

In patients with fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body, high doses of thiamine were able to reduce the severity of pain and fatigue.^[11]

References:

1. Dinicolantonio JJ, Niazi AK, Lavie CJ, O’keefe JH, Ventura HO. Thiamine supplementation for the treatment of heart failure: a review of the literature. Congest Heart Fail. 2013;19(4):214-22.
2. Lonsdale D. Thiamin(e): the spark of life. Subcell Biochem. 2012;56:199-227.
3. Thomson, A. D. (2000) Mechanisms of vitamin deficiency in chronic alcohol misusers and the development of the Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome. Alcohol and Alcoholism 35(Suppl. 1), 2–7.
4. Mimori Y, Katsuoka H, Nakamura S. Thiamine therapy in Alzheimer’s disease. Metab Brain Dis. 1996;11(1):89-94.
5. Benton D, Griffiths R, Haller J. Thiamine supplementation mood and cognitive functioning. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1997;129(1):66-71.
6. Asregadoo ER. Blood levels of thiamine and ascorbic acid in chronic open-angle glaucoma. Ann Ophthalmol 1979;11:1095-1100.
7. Kuzniarz M, Mitchell P, Cumming RG, Flood VM. Use of vitamin supplements and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2001;132(1):19-26.
8. Alvarez OM, Gilbreath RL. Effect of dietary thiamine on intermolecular collagen cross-linking during wound repair: a mechanical and biochemical assessment. J Trauma. 1982;22(1):20-4.
9. Comín-anduix B, Boren J, Martinez S, et al. The effect of thiamine supplementation on tumour proliferation. A metabolic control analysis study. Eur J Biochem. 2001;268(15):4177-82.
10. Al-Attas O, Al-Daghri N, Alokail M, Abd-Alrahman S, Vinodson B, Sabico S. Metabolic Benefits of Six-month Thiamine Supplementation in Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. Clinical Medicine Insights Endocrinology and Diabetes. 2014;7:1-6. doi:10.4137/CMED.S13573.
11. Costantini A, Pala MI, Tundo S, Matteucci P. High-dose thiamine improves the symptoms of fibromyalgia. BMJ Case Reports. 2013;2013:bcr2013009019. doi:10.1136/bcr-2013-009019.