Vitamin B-1 is also known as thiamine and is one of the essential B vitamins that your body uses each day. You must consume B-1 each day or you will develop deficiency symptoms such as weakness and fatigue. There is currently no maximum daily intake amount of B-1, because there are no well-established toxic effects from the consumption of excess thiamine, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Toxicity
The Linus Pauling Institute states that there are no toxic side effects noted from intake of high amounts of B-1 through food or through supplementation. The institute adds that some anaphylactic reactions have occurred from high doses that have been injected intravenously.
Sources and Recommendations
Vitamin B-1 is found naturally in foods such as whole grains, pasta, peas, dried beans, soybeans and in lean meats such as pork and fish. Small amounts are also found in dairy products, fruits and vegetables. The current recommended daily intake is 1.0 to 1.2 mg per day depending on your age and gender. In addition to food, B-1 is also found in supplements and multivitamins. If you consume both food sources and supplement sources, you can be sure that you get ample amounts each day. There are no toxicity issues with combining these sources of vitamin B-1.
Functions
MedlinePlus states that the B vitamins are used by your body to get or make energy from the food that you eat. Thiamine helps your cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also used as a co-enzyme for a small number of very important enzymes in your body. Enzymes help your body complete chemical reactions. MedlinePlus adds that vitamin B-1 is also essential for heart, muscle and nervous system function.
Considerations
In order for your body to perform the functions that use vitamin B-1, you have to supply it. The Harvard School of Public Health states that a daily multivitamin should be included in your healthy eating plan to fill in the gaps in your nutrition. This will ensure that you have enough B-1 in your diet each day. With any supplement, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before adding a supplement to determine if it can affect any medication that you may be taking.
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