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What is
it?
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) is a water
soluble vitamin that readily enters and exits the body daily
so it must be taken internally on a daily basis. Thiamin
helps maintain a normal metabolism and helps burn
carbohydrates.
What Does
in the Body?
Thiamin is part of an
enzymes
system knows as thiamin pyrophosphate which is essential for
nearly every cellular reaction in the body. It is involved
in energy production and carbohydrates and fatty metabolism.
It's vital for normal development, growth, reproduction,
healthy skin and hair.
Thiamin is particularly
important for the normal functioning of the nerves. It is
necessary for the synthesis of aceylcholine, a
neurotransmitter which affects several brain functions
including memory, and also maintain muscle tone of the
stomach, intestines and heart.
Where is it found?
Food sources of thiamin include
fish, eggs, liver, pork, poultry, brown rice and whole
grains.
Recommended Daily Intakes: men
1.2 mg, women 1.1 mg, pregnancy 1.4 mg, lactation 1.5 mg.
Symptoms
Of Deficiency/Side Effects
Thiamin deficiency occurs as a result of many factors,
including crash dieting, alcohol abuse, liver dysfunction,
kidney dialysis. Also at risk are those who consume a lot of
sweets, soft drinks, and highly processed foods. Sever
thiamin deficiency causes beriberi. Beriberi can affect the
cardiovascular system and the nervous system.
Common side
effects are: swelling of face, skin rush/itch. |
