Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Posted on 2005-12-30 20:01:01 in Vitamins |

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Found in yellow fruit, green and leafy vegetables, carrots, yams, cantaloupe, organ meats (especially liver), pork, dried beans, peas, soybeans, wheat germ, brewer’s or nutritional yeast, egg yolks, poultry, fish and seafood, dried yeast, brown rice, rice husks or rice bran, whole grain products, oatmeal, nuts, most vegetables, milk, raisins and prunes.

ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:

Known as the "morale" vitamin, vitamin B1 converts carbohydrates (sugar) into energy, promotes growth, aids digestion, and is essential for nerve tissues, muscle, and  heart. It also plays a vital role in the functioning of some important enzymes and is essential for the transmission of certain nerve signals between the brain and the spinal cord. Vitamin B1 helps repel insects and mosquitoes and is used in the treatment of alcoholics and drug addicts.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

Vitamin B1 deficiency causes the condition beri-beri which includes mental illness, paralysis of some eye muscles, foot drop, and decreased sensation in the feet and legs. Other symptoms of deficiency include: loss of appetite; fatigue; weakness; neuritis; muscle atrophy; head pressures; poor sleep; feeling tense and irritable; aches and pains; subjectively poor memory, difficulty concentrating; constipation; impaired growth; "pins and needles" sensation in the toes and "burning" sensation in the feet. Alcohol consumption interferes with absorption of B1.

THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:

1.4 -100mg. RDA is 1.4mg; pregnant or lactating women should increase the RDA by 0.4mg.

MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:

100mg (long and short term &emdash; no adverse effects have been reported)

SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:

No side effects are associated with the normal use of supplementary vitamin B1. Pregnant women should consult their physician before taking vitamin B1.

SOLUBILITY: Water soluble

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