 |
Home / Exercise & fitness / Nutrition / Vitamins / Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1
Thiamine, or Vitamin B1, is important for nervous system function, musculature and cardiovascular health, as well as for normal growth and development. The essential co-enzyme also aids in metabolizing carbohydrates, and it helps to regulate the appetite. Can be lost in cooking and food preparation so supplements are advised :
| Vitamin B1 ( Thiamin ) |
| Important for : |
Enhancing the body's ability to generate energy through the metabolic cycle; digestion of carbohydrates due to increased production of hydrochloric acid; muscle tone in the intestines, heart and lungs; optimising brain functions; growth. |
| Sources : |
The richest sources are; brown rice; chicken; egg yolks; fish; liver; peanuts; pork; wheat germ; and whole grains.
Additional sources include; asparagus; broccoli; Brussels sprouts; kelp; nuts; oatmeal; plums; prunes; raisins; and watercress.
Herbs (e.g. alfalfa; bladder-wrack; burdock root; cayenne; chamomile; fennel; fenugreek; hops; nettles; parsley; peppermint; raspberry leaf; rosehips; and sage). |
| Possible deficiency symptoms : |
Loss of appetite; constipation; fatigue; irritability; insomnia; forgetfulness; difficulty breathing; heart and gastrointestinal problems; poor co-ordination and concentration; weight loss. |
| Hinders maximum absorption : |
Antibiotics, oral contraceptives and diuretics, such as tea and coffee, may decrease the level of thiamine in the body. |
| Additional Information : |
High carbohydrate diets need increased amount of thiamine.
Thiamine acts as an antioxidant, protecting against aging, alcohol and smoking. |
|
|
