Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Vitamin B1, also called thiamine, is one of eight water-soluble B vitamins. Since these vitamins are soluble in water they are dispersed throughout the body dissolved in fluid. They are not stored in the body to any appreciable extent and must be replenished every day. Their influence on the body lasts for 14-18 hours after ingestion after which their potency decreases. An excessive intake of water-soluble vitamins is typically passed out through the urine. If the diet contains less than 50% RDA of water-soluble vitamins, symptoms from deficiencies may be displayed in as little as 4 weeks; much quicker than for fat-soluble vitamins.

All B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, assist and regulate carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. These are essential mechanisms which produce energy for the body. They also contribute to hemoglobin synthesis and red blood cell production which carries oxygen around the body. Furthermore, B complex vitamins help maintain muscle tone along the wall of the digestive tract and promote healthy skin, hair, eyes, mouth, liver and nervous system.

Vitamin B1 is essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles and heart. It also stabilizes the appetite and promotes growth along with good muscle tone. Similar to some other B complex vitamins, thiamine is somemtimes referred to as an "anti-stress" vitamin because it is thought to enhance the activity of the immune system and improve the body's ability to withstand stressful conditions.

3D picture of Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Different forms or alternative names for Vitamin B1 (Thiamin):
thiamin
thiamine chloride

Importance of Vitamin B1 (Thiamin):
key role in metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein
assists production of energy within the body
essential for normal function of muscles, heart and nervous system
stabilizes the appetite
promotes growth and good muscle tone

Good sources of Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) are:
beef kidney, liver, brown rice, whole grains (especially wheat germ),