Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is one of the eight essential B vitamins the body needs. Your body uses B vitamins to help metabolize fat and proteins for energy and for healthy hair, skin, eyes and liver. Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning the body does not store the excess but instead excretes it through urine. You should get your daily allowance of thiamine from food sources or take supplements.
Function
Thiamine is known as the anti-stress vitamin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, because it may strengthen the immune system and improve your body's ability to withstand stressful situations. Thiamine is also essential for the proper functioning of the muscles, heart and nervous system as well as the flow of electrolytes in and out of nerve and muscle cells. B1 also contributes to the creation of hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for proper digestion.
Beriberi
Beriberi is a chronic thiamine deficiency. There are two types of beriberi. Dry beriberi affects the cardiovascular system, while Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome affects the nervous system. Manufacturers enrich many foods with vitamins such as thiamine, making beriberi rare in the United States, according to MedlinePlus. Beriberi is most common in alcoholics because heavy drinking can lead to poor nutrition and excess alcohol in your body makes it harder for the body to properly absorb thiamine. In some cases, beriberi is inherited.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disease caused by a thiamine deficiency. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is actually two separate disorders. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that Wernicke's disease causes damage to the nerves in the central and peripheral nervous systems and most often occurs due to malnutrition due to alcohol abuse. Korsikoff syndrome causes memory impairment and nerve damage, which can become permanent.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dry beriberi can include loss of feeling in the hands and feet, paralysis of the lower legs, loss of muscle function, pain, strange eye movements, vomiting, tingling and difficulty walking. MedlinePlus explains that symptoms of wet beriberi can include increased heart rate, shortness of breath, especially upon exertion, swelling in the lower legs and waking at night gasping for breath.
Food Sources
Avoiding a thiamine deficiency involves consuming foods rich in thiamine. Fortified breads, cereals, pastas, lean meats, whole grains, dried beans, peas and soybeans contain thiamine. MedlinePlus explains that fruits, vegetables and dairy products contain a significant source of thiamine per serving.
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