Vitamin B1, also called thiamine,
is one of the eight vitamins that make up the powerful Vitamin
B complex. Like all of the B vitamins, this nutrient plays a great
role in the health of the body and the health of the mind. Care
should be taken to maintain the recommended daily intake levels
of this essential nutrient, as the results of deficiencies can
be devastating in nature.
Vitamin B1 serves many purposes in the body. It is an essential
part of converting carbohydrates to energy, and necessary to the
proper functioning of the nervous system, the heart and the musculature
system of the body. Thiamine is very important to the brain, particularly
in terms of emotional health and well being, as well as being useful
for focus and concentration.
There are a variety of physical conditions and diseases
associated with deficiencies in Vitamin B1. Symptoms include
pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities, muscle
weakness and a lack of physical coordination, particularly
in the larger muscle masses that make up the leg muscles.
A deficiency in thiamine can cause enlargement of the heart,
which can itself lead to congestive heart failure, and
lung congestion. A severe deficiency in Vitamin B1 can
lead to nerve damage, brain damage and even death. Mental
symptoms associated with a serious lack of Vitamin B include
fatigue, psychosis, and confusion.
These are a few serious diseases specifically
associated with a deficiency of Vitamin B1, including the
notorious beriberi disease.
There are also two specific types of brain damage associated
with severely low levels of Vitamin B1. One, Korsakoff
syndrome, results
in confusion and short term memory loss. Another, Wernicke’s
Disease has symptoms that include vision disturbances and
irregularities, an unsteady walk, and mental confusion.
Despite the obvious importance of Vitamin B1
to many of the body’s
important functions, a great deal of people regularly fail to meet
the recommended daily intake levels. Alcoholics are particularly
vulnerable to being deficient in Vitamin B1, because alcohol ruins
the B vitamins. Illnesses that force bodily fluids from the body,
such as chronic diarrhea, can deplete the body’s levels of
thiamine, because it is a water-soluble vitamin and the body needs
to have its supply renewed every day. There are also rare conditions
that interfere with the body’s ability to use Vitamin B1
properly.
Dietary supplements are an affordable, safe and effective way
to consistently meet the recommended daily intake levels of Vitamin
B1. It is especially important, however, when taking supplements
to use them with care and attention, because taking too much Vitamin
B1 can cause adverse side effects and even serious health problems.
As with all substances, there is such a thing as too much of a
good thing. While there are certain health situations that do call
for higher than average doses of this powerful B vitamin, high
dosages should only be taken while under the direct care of a qualified
health care professional. Like any other medication or dietary
supplement, Vitamin B1 supplements should always be kept well out
of the reach of children.
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