THIAMIN-Vitamin B1

Thiamin (B-1) - The classic deficiency disease for thiamin is beriberi, a disease that affects the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and peripheral nervous system. In the US alcohol is the primary cause of beriberi. In severe deficiency a condition called Korsakoff's syndrome (confusion, memory loss, delusions and amnesia) and Wernicke's disease (apathy, confusion, delirium) has been described.

Thiamin's primary role in metabolism is the conversion of carbohydrates into energy. When you increase your intake of carbohydrates the need for thiamin increases. This is especially pertinent for vegetarians who substitute vegetable proteins for animal foods. During periods of increased metabolism e.g. fevers, muscular activity (exercise), an overactive thyroid, pregnancy and lactation needs are increased. Dialysis patients may become deficient. Schizophrenics tend to be low in thiamin. Coffee and tea may decrease thiamin absorption.

Food sources: Best sources: organ meats, pork, dried beans & peas, soybeans, peanuts, whole grains, egg yolks, poultry and fish. Medium sources: plums, dried prunes, raisins, asparagus, beans, broccoli, oatmeal, Brussels sprouts and nuts.

Food facts: Refined carbohydrates are enriched with B vitamins to prevent overt deficiency. Thiamin is natural vitamin in the whole grain, when foods are refined the B vitamins including thiamin are removed along with the bran layer and germ containing vitamin E. The government demands that manufacturers replace or enrich the B vitamins to prevent clinical deficiency. White flour and white rice are fortified with the B vitamins including thiamin.

More Food Facts- Foods lose their thiamin content when exposed to ultraviolet light. When bread is baked the thiamin content is reduced by 15-20%. Broiling or roasting meat causes 25% loss, broiling you lose 50%.

Thiamin has no known toxicity symptoms.

Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CD/N.

Donna Tinnerello MS, RD, CD/N is registered dietician with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. She works at Cabrini Medical Center in lower Manhattan,in private practice and the community.Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight loss. Donna is available for private consultation by referral only.