thiamin

What is it?

Thiamin (formerly known as vitamin B1) is a water-soluble vitamin. 

Functions - what does it do?

Energy metabolism

Thiamin helps to release energy from foods, particularly carbohydrates. It is important in the the breakdown and use of glucose, the primary nutrient produced during carbohydrate digestion.

Metabolism. The chemical processes occurring within a living cell or organism that are necessary to maintain life.

It is important in the functioning of the nervous system, especially the peripheral nerves, like those found in your hands and feet, and is vital for adequate muscle coordination.

Requirements - How much do we need?

Sources - Where is it found?

Deficiency - When you have too little

A thiamin deficiency is seen where refined, non-enriched grains are a major dietary staple. The brown (whole) grains are processed, removing the bran and germ layer, to make polished (white grains), which are a poor source of thiamin, unless later enriched. 

The thiamin deficiency disease is called Beriberi. Its symptoms include weakness, muscle wasting, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, irritability, nervous tingling, poor co-ordination and heart failure. 

There are two types of beriberi: dry beriberi and wet beriberi. Symptoms of dry beriberi include fatigue, tingling or loss of sensation in hands and feet due to nerve degeneration, muscle wasting with loss of function or paralysis of the limbs, and potentially brain damage and death. Wet beriberi is characterized by swelling caused by accumulated fluid in the limbs (edema), increased heart rate, lung congestion, and enlarged heart related to congestive heart failure; nerve degeneration is commonly present as well.

Toxicity - When you have too much

There are no known toxic effects for thiamin.