Thiamine is also sometimes referred to as thiamin, or as vitamin B-1 -- simply because it was the first B-complex vitamin to be discovered. It is important for the health and for variety of body functions in the body, both individually and in conjunction with other nutrients.
Energy Conversion
The B-complex vitamins, which includes thiamine, are designed to work together to accomplish several important purposes within the body. One main purpose is facilitating the the conversion of the food you eat during the digestive process into a usable form of fuel, glucose, which your body uses for fuel.
Immune System Function
Vitamin B-1, or thiamine, also contributes to strengthening and maintaining your immune system. For that reason, it is sometimes used to help treat a variety of health conditions, including Leigh's disease, cervical cancer and AIDS. However, while thiamine is unquestionably beneficial and necessary for the health of your body, insufficient research has been done so far to absolutely confirm its impact on conditions like AIDS, notes MedlinePlus.
Heart Health
Heart failure in some people is caused by excess fluid around the heart, known as wet beriberi, which can be caused by excessively low thiamine levels. Not everyone who has heart failure will see their condition improve by taking thiamine, as thiamine's effects on the condition depend on its cause.
Recommendations
Babies younger than 6 months old need 0.2 mg of thiamine daily, and 0.3 mg per day from 7 to 12 months. Children then need 0.5 mg until age 3, then 0.6 mg until age 8, then 0.9 mg until age 13. Males 14 years old or older need 1.2 mg daily; girls need 1 mg from 14 to 18, and women over 19 need 1.1 mg. Many whole-grain foods and pork products are rich in thiamine.
Member Comments