| Login | Register
LIVESTRONG.COM Blog: Help Support Students Run Los Angeles!
  • Food & Fitness
  • Members

Thiamin

Text size:  |  Print  |   | 

What is Thiamin?

Thiamin (also spelled "thiamine") is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. It is also known as vitamin B1 or aneurine. Thiamin is involved in nervous system and muscle functioning, enzyme processes, breakdown of carbohydrates and production of hydrochloric acid (which is needed for digestion). There is very little thiamin stored in the body, and depletion can occur quickly. Severe chronic thiamin deficiency can cause potentially serious complications involving the nervous system/brain, muscles, ...



Side Effects

Burning, drowsiness, itching, contact dermatitis, muscle relaxation, severe allergic reaction, skin irritation.



Reactions / Interactions

Phenytoin (Dilantin), antacids, barbiturates, diuretics, tobacco, neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), antibiotics, birth control pills, fluorouracil, metformin (Glucophage), betel nut, horsetail, alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, tea, raw seafood, and other herbs or supplements with similar effects.



What is Thiamin?

Thiamin (also spelled "thiamine") is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. It is also known as vitamin B1 or aneurine. Thiamin is involved in nervous system and muscle functioning, enzyme processes, breakdown of carbohydrates and production of hydrochloric acid (which is needed for digestion). There is very little thiamin stored in the body, and depletion can occur quickly. Severe chronic thiamin deficiency can cause potentially serious complications involving the nervous system/brain, muscles, heart, and gastrointestinal system.

Side Effects

Burning, drowsiness, itching, contact dermatitis, muscle relaxation, severe allergic reaction, skin irritation.

Reactions / Interactions

Phenytoin (Dilantin), antacids, barbiturates, diuretics, tobacco, neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), antibiotics, birth control pills, fluorouracil, metformin (Glucophage), betel nut, horsetail, alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, tea, raw seafood, and other herbs or supplements with similar effects.

Safety

Thiamin is generally considered safe and relatively nontoxic, even at high doses. Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to thiamin. Thiamin appears safe if pregnant or breastfeeding. The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for pregnant or breastfeeding women is 1.4mg taken by mouth.

Dosage

Beef, Brewer's yeast, legumes (beans, lentils), milk, nuts, oats, oranges, pork, rice, seeds, wheat, whole grain cereals, and yeast. In industrialized countries, foods made with white rice or white flour are often fortified with thiamin (because most of the naturally occurring thiamin is lost during the refinement process).

Adults (18 years and older)

U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA): The RDA for adults ages 19 years and older is 1.2mg daily for males and 1.1mg daily for females, taken by mouth. The RDA for pregnant or breastfeeding women of any age is 1.4mg daily, taken by mouth. 1-2mg daily is sometimes used as a dietary supplement.

Children (18 years and younger)

Adequate Intake (AI) / U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA): For infants ages 0-6 months the AI is 0.2mg; for infants 7-12 months the AI is 0.3mg; for children 1-3 years the RDA is 0.5mg; for children 4-8 years the RDA is 0.6mg; for children ages 9-13 years the RDA is 0.9mg; for males ages 14-18 years the RDA is 1.2mg; for females ages 14-18 years the RDA is 1mg, taken by mouth. The RDA for pregnant or breastfeeding women of any age is 1.4mg daily, taken by mouth.

Evidence

Condition: Thiamin deficiency Grade: A

Condition: Metabolic disorders Grade: A

Condition: Acute alcohol withdrawal Grade: B

Condition: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) Grade: B

Condition: Alzheimer's disease Grade: C

Condition: Athletic performance Grade: C

Condition: Cancer Grade: C

Condition: Cataract prevention Grade: C

Condition: Coma/hypothermia of unknown origin Grade: C

Condition: Crohn's disease Grade: C

Condition: Didmoad (Wolfram) syndrome Grade: C

Condition: Heart failure (cardiomyopathy) Grade: C

Condition: Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (PDH) Grade: C

Condition: Subclinical thiamin deficiency in the elderly Grade: C

Condition: Hip fracture Grade: D

Disclaimer: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Content provided by:

"Content Licensed by Natural Standard. Copyright 2009 by Natural Standard Corporation."


While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Thiamin Videos

Thiamin Articles

  • 5 Things You Need to Know About Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

    Thiamin, or Thiamine, was the first B vitamin that was ever discovered, which is why it is known as Vitamin B1. A severe Vitamin B1 deficiency results in a condition known as "beriberi," which was...

  • Vitamins That Are in Meat

    Though we think of meat mainly as a good source of protein and minerals, such as iron and zinc, it also supplies some of the B vitamins that are essential for energy metabolism, proper nerve functi...

  • Foods High in Vitamin B1

    Vitamin B1, or thiamin, is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve and heart function. According to Merck, most diets are abundant in vitamin B1, making deficiency u...

  • Supplements for Alcoholism

    In 2006, there were 13,050 deaths in the United States from alcohol-related liver disease, and 22,073 other alcohol-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Ten percent of adul...

Show More

Related Symptoms

  • Behavior - unusual or strange

    Unusual or strange behavior involves performing actions that are not normal for the person.

  • Confusion

    Confusion is the inability to think with your usual speed or clarity, including feeling disoriented and having diffic...

Food for Thought

Nabisco Fig Newtons (snack pack)

...OUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], FOLIC ACID), F...

Calories: 200     Fat: 4g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 230mg     Total Carbohydrates: 39g     Fiber: 3g     Sugars: 22g     Protein: 2g     Vitamin C:    

Wendy's Grilled Chicken Go Wrap

...ted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Water, Soybean Oil, Hydroge...

Calories: 250     Fat: 10g     Cholesterol: 45mg     Sodium: 730mg     Total Carbohydrates: 24g     Fiber: 1g     Sugars: 4g     Protein: 17g     Vitamin C:    

Arrowhead Mills Organic Popcorn (whole kernel corn)

...ellent Source of-Fiber; Good Source of- Thiamin & Phosphorus

Calories: 170     Fat: 2g     Cholesterol:     Sodium:     Total Carbohydrates: 33g     Fiber: 7g     Sugars: 1g     Protein: 5g     Vitamin C:    

Ritz Snack Crackers, Whole Wheat

...OUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], FOLIC ACID), W...

Calories: 70     Fat: 2.5g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 120mg     Total Carbohydrates: 11g     Fiber: >1g     Sugars: 2g     Protein: 1g     Vitamin C:    

Creamed Spinach

...nese, Potassium Good source of: Fiber, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Phosphoru...

Calories: 165     Fat: 4.5974     Cholesterol: 0     Sodium: 152.0418     Total Carbohydrates: 20.6469     Fiber: 0.1459     Sugars: 10.2918     Protein: 12.4028     Vitamin C:    

Dunkin' Donuts Donut, Vanilla Kreme Filled

...ted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Sugar, Palm Oil, Part...

Calories: 320     Fat: 16g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 360mg     Total Carbohydrates: 39g     Fiber: 1g     Sugars: 19g     Protein: 4g     Vitamin C: 0%    

Show More

Related Drugs

  • Thiamine

    This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Related Diseases

  • Beriberi

    ... in which the body does not have enough thiamine (vitamin B1).

  • Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

    ...off syndrome is a brain disorder due to thiamine deficiency.

  • Alcoholic neuropathy

    Alcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol.

  • Malnutrition

    Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.

  • Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy

    Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a disorder in which excessive, habitual use of alcohol weakens the heart muscle so that i...

  • Cardiomyopathy

    Cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the heart muscle or a change in heart muscle structure. It is often associated with ...

Vitamins

  • Thiamin

    Thiamin (also spelled "Thiamine") is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. It is also known as vitamin B1 or aneurine. T...

  • Verbena

    Verbena (Verbena officinalis) is a perennial herb native to Europe. It has been used traditionally in northern Europe...

  • Boldo

    Boldo is an evergreen shrub found in the Andean regions of Chile and Peru, and also is native to parts of Morocco. Bo...

  • Buckshorn Plantain

    Buckshorn plantain is found in Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. In the Canary Islands, buckshorn plantain h...

Show More

Related Tests

  • Mental status tests

    Mental status tests are used to determine whether a disease or condition is affecting a person's thinking abilities, ...

Conversations On Thiamin

  • Forgive me TDP Gods, I'm about to sin.........


    • Posted On June 28, 2008 05:45:57 AM

      ...tamin C < 1% Calcium 14% Iron 16% Thiamin (B1) 4% Riboflavin (B2) Niacin (B3) 37% Vitamin B6 11% Folic Acid (Folate) 18% Magnesium 19% ------------------------------------------... Read More

    • Posted On June 28, 2008 05:55:55 AM

      hats nothing- we habve out of town company and ar going out to eat tomorrow at this place where I cannot eat without having ther carrot cake- size is about 1/6 of a cake and ust have in excess of 2... Read More

  • P90x Recovery Forumla: Good or Bad?


    • Posted On March 16, 2009 07:08:37 AM

      ...B12 30% Vitamin E 1,333% • Calcium 5% Thiamin 30% • Iron 0% Riboflavin 30% • Phosphorus 7% Niacin 30% • Magnesium 60% **Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. †Da... Read More

    • Posted On March 16, 2009 12:12:06 PM

      If you work hard then it is GOOD for you right after a workout. Read More

  • Problem with the Custom Nutrition Label:'Calories from Fat'


    • Posted On August 30, 2007 06:51:05 PM

      ...ium 98.3 Iron 93.2 Vitamin D 87.5 Thiamin (B1) 12 Niacin (B3) 12 Vitamin B6 9 Vitamin B12 75 Magnesium 15 Zinc 15 ------------------------------------------------------------... Read More

    • Posted On August 30, 2007 01:00:39 PM

      Hi, I am a new gold member, and really very happy with this site. I did notice a problem with the custom nutrition label. For some unknown reason the 'calories from fat' calculation is in error.... Read More

  • spinach entry way off


    • Posted On March 31, 2008 06:36:52 PM

      ... 0% Vitamin E 8.6% Vitamin K 1110.6% Thiamin (B1) 11.3% Riboflavin (B2) 24.7% Niacin (B3) 4.4% Vitamin B6 22% Vitamin B12 0% Magnesium 39.1% Panthothenic Acid 0.018mg Zinc 9.1% Mangan... Read More

    • Posted On March 31, 2008 06:29:21 PM

      Way too many carbs & protein in here http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutrition- ... ic/spinach I noticed this when I entered 3 cups of this for 21 calories & 17 grams of protein. No way ... Read More

  • Caramelized Apple "Crumble"- UNDER 100 CALORIES!


    • Posted On August 23, 2007 02:43:16 PM

      ...) 0 g Vitamins Vitamin A 9.94 IU Thiamin 0 mg Riboflavin 0.02 mg Niacin 0.05 mg Pantothenic acid 0.02 mg Vitamin B6 0.01 mg Folate 0.85 mcg Vitamin B12 0 mcg Vitamin C 2.91 mg Vit... Read More

    • Posted On August 23, 2007 03:33:24 PM

      Thanks for the great recipe. Read More

  • Percentages on various things


    • Posted On March 8, 2007 12:20:11 PM

      ... Vitamin D 10 Vitamin E 1.91333333 Thiamin (B1) 0.204 Riboflavin (B2) 0.153 Niacin (B3) 2.28 Vitamin B6 2.505 Folic Acid (Folate) 30 Phosphorus 0.4 Magnesium 28.1 Panthothenic... Read More

    • Posted On March 8, 2007 08:13:34 AM

      I need to know what % of my daily value is good for items just as Sugars, Carbs, protein, etc. I am at 7% right now for the day but what is a good percent for these items. Read More

Show More

Write for LIVESTRONG.COM

Write for us

Do you work in health, fitness or nutrition? Share your expertise by writing for LIVESTRONG.COM

Learn More
Remove this ad. Go Gold!
advertisement

Related Topics

more

Connect With People Who Have Thiamin

avatar avatar avatar

Talk

pokykim: iHealthTube.com - Video - Thiamin Promotes Energy and Mental Function http://goo.gl/cegY

thespiceguy: It is a good source of vitamins A, B6, C, E and K, thiamin, copper, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese.

FatLoss4IdiotsG: Fat Loss Info:: Che' Nazzerith- Thiamin v... http://www.fatloss4idiotsgameplan.com/che-nazzerith-thiamin-vitamin-b-1-deficiency-part-2.html

hopefuladdict: Gw aj msh gak gtu hapal ty RT @christyhong: Oh shit! I forgot to study thiamin, cyanin, bla bla, I'm so dead!

christyhong: Oh shit! I forgot to study thiamin, cyanin, bla bla, I'm so dead!

Additional Reading



Tools

The Daily Plate

Track your daily calories. See how many calories you burn and consume.

Body Mass Index

BMI is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

LIVESTRONG Loops

Map your local running, cycling, walking and hiking routes and track your calorie burn.

Stay Motivated

Find us on the web, receive emails and use our mobile app to keep you motivated.

Symptom Checker

This tool will help you to decide whether to treat at home or see a doctor.