Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Why Does the Body Need Vitamin B1?
 
1. It assists in digestion by enhancing the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and helps with carbohydrate metabolism
2. It helps the body make use of protein
3. It takes part in energy production in the brain and therefore helps to optimize brain function, cognitive activity, and learning capacity
4. It is usually recommended for treatment of Alzheimer’s, fatigue, mood disorders, and depression
5. It assists in blood formation and enhances blood circulation
6. It is needed to help develop proper muscle tone in the heart, intestines, and stomach
7. It is important for a normal appetite, growth and energy
8. It helps protect the body from the negative affects of aging, drinking alcohol and smoking through its antioxidant properties
 
What are some symptoms of Deficiency of Vitamin B1?
Beriberi is a disease that attacks the nervous system and is caused by a deficiency of B1. This disease results in mental confusion, wasting muscles, edema, heart problems, and difficulty walking. Beriberi is usually only seen in under developed countries.
 
Other symptoms of B1 deficiency ( in alphabetical order) are:
1. constipation
2. edema
3. eye pain
4. enlarged liver
5. fatigue
6. gastrointestinal disturbances
7. heart changes
8. irritability
9. loss of appetite
10. muscle atrophy and tenderness
11. nervousness
12. numbness of the hands and feet
13. pain and sensitivity
14. poor memory
15. rapid heart beat
16. tingling sensations
17. weak and sore muscles
18. weight loss (severe)
 
Where do you naturally find Vitamin B1 (in alphabetical order)?
1. asparagus
2. brewer’s yeast
3. broccoli
4. brown rice
5. Brussels sprouts
6. cabbage
7. cauliflower
8. dulse (seaweed)
9. egg yolks
10. fish
11. kelp (seaweed)
12. lamb
13. legumes
14. liver
15. most nuts
16. mushrooms
17. nori
18. oatmeal
19. peanuts
20. peas
21. peppers
22. plums
23. prunes
24. pork
25. poultry
26. raisins
27. rice bran
28. spirulina (seaweed)
29. squash
30. sunflower seeds
31. watercress
32. wheat germ
33. whole grains
 
Notes and/or Cautions:
Alcohol inhibits the storage of Vitamin B1. Caffeine and certain pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and sulfa drugs deplete the body of B1. Refining and processing certain foods lowers B1 levels found naturally in those foods. Consuming large quantities of carbohydrates increases the need for B1.
 
Recommended Dosages for Maintaining Good Health (for Adults): 50-100 mg