Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine)

Name: Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine)

Scientific Name:

Intro: Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, was the first of the B vitamins to be discovered. It was isolated in 1926 as a water soluble, crystalline yellowish white powder with a salty, slightly nutty taste. Scientists now know that vitamin B1 plays an important role in producing energy for the body's cells. Because it is water soluble, thiamine is not stored in the body and must be supplied daily. In adults, chronic dieting, alcoholism, and diets consisting primarily of highly processed, refined foods are causes of thiamine deficiency.

Nutrient Content:

Benefits:

Supports nerve tissues and nerve function
Necessary for healthy muscle function, especially in the heart
Involved in the conversion of fatty acids and amino acids into hormones, proteins and enzymes
May help alcoholics metabolize alcohol more effectively, which may support recovery from addiction
Supports health in people with Alzheimer's disease
May also be of benefit to those suffering from a number of other neurological conditions including sensory neuropathy, sciatica and Bell's palsy, as well as insomnia
Anemia may be responsive to supplementation with thiamine

Comments: The Dietary Supplements Information Bureau recommends a daily dosage of 5mg of Vitamin B1 for optimal health. This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.

Caution: If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breast-feeding an infant, talk to your healthcare professional about supplementing your diet with appropriate vitamins and minerals.

Possible Interactions

Alcoholic Bevarages
Alcohol interrupts the production of thiamine to its active form. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include beer, wine, hard liquor, mixed drinks .

Antibiotics
Studies have reported that the use of antibiotics is known to decrease the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which may decrease the amount of the B-vitamins that are normally made. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include Aminoglycosides, Cephalosporins, Fluoroquinolones, Quinolones, Macrolides, Penicillins, Sulfonamides, Tetracyclines, Trimethoprin-containing antibiotics, Carbapenems, Monobactams, chloramphenicol, spectinomycin, Streptogramins, vancomycin, Oxalodinones, Lincosamides, Nitrofurans .

Loop Diuretics
These medications are reported to cause increased elimination of this vitamin in the urine. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, torsemide.

Oral Contraceptives
These medications have been reported to slightly decrease thiamine levels in some women. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include norethindrone, ethynodiol diacetate, norgestrel, norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, desogestrel, levonorgestrel .

Phenytoin
Patients using phenytoin to treat epilepsy have lower thiamine levels in the blood and spinal fluid then individuals not using phenytoin. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.