DESCRIPTION

Thiamin is known as "the morale vitamin" because of the beneficial effects it has on the nervous system and morale. People with heart disease have been found to have lower than normal levels of thiamin in their heart muscle.

Beriberi was found to be preventable if whole brown rice was eaten. In 1926 two doctors isolated the active ingredient, which turned out to be thiamin.

Thiamin is very delicate and destroyed easily. After vitamin C, it is the least stable vitamin. Alcohol destroys thiamin. People with a low level of thiamin seem to be troubled more by insects.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Severe deficiency is now extremely rare in the West, but very low intakes lead to beriberi; symptoms of this are muscle weakness, nausea, loss of appetite and water retention.

Minor deficiency will lead to mental problems, such as loss of concentration, depression, irritability and memory loss. Weight loss and digestive upsets also occur.

Probably, the earliest symptom of deficiency is continuous nausea.

REQUIREMENTS (RNI)

THE RNI VALUES (COMA 1991) FOR THIAMIN

WHO MAY NEED TO SUPPLEMENT

The elderly

Pregnant women

Smokers

Alcoholics

People under physical or mental stress

People who have a high carbohydrate intake

People convalescing from surgery or accident

BEST FOOD SOURCES

BENEFITS

Thiamin ensures mental alertness. It is vital for the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and alcohol. Thiamin ensures good digestion.

During pregnancy, thiamin ensures the correct growth of the fetus.

THERAPEUTIC USES

Sciatica

Lumbago

Deters insect bites

SAFETY

Thiamin is a very safe vitamin. Long-term, high amounts can be taken orally by adults without causing problems. Allergic reactions do sometimes arise when thiamin is injected.

INTERACTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

Thiamin acts with the other B-complex vitamins, but can be taken on its own as part of nutritional therapy.