MedVitamins Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine)

Thiamine is primarily used to prevent and treat impaired mental function, and the Thiamine deficiency disease beriberi. The role of thiamine in disease first came to light in Asia a few centuries ago. Deficiency is the cause of beriberi, a condition marked by mental impairment, muscle wasting, high blood pressure, and heart problems, which was common among Asian sailors and prisoners before the nineteenth century. The Dutch physician Christian Eijkman linked beriberi to dietary factors in the early twentieth century. He speculated that the high consumption of white rice among Asian populations was one reason why the disease was more common in Asia. It was later discovered that thiamine, a water-soluble nutrient found in whole grains, was missing from white rice.

Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), a combination of two molecules of phosphoric acid and B-1, is the coenzyme form of this vitamin. TPP is critical in several metabolic functions, including the removal of carbon dioxide reactions, which in turn are important in the conversion of amino acids, carbohydrates and fats to energy. It is also necessary for the conversion of carbohydrates to fat. TPP is needed for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a lack of which causes inflammation of the nerves and memory loss.

It may be involved in cognitive functions through its involvement with acetylcholine. Thiamine deficiency has been shown to have a deleterious effect on mental functioning. Estimates show that 30% of all patients entering psychiatric wards are deficient in this nutrient.1 A 1994 study indicates that thiamine deficiency often goes undetected in the elderly, and may be responsible for delirium in this age group.2 Thiamine is able to mimic acetylcholine in the brain and has been effective in improving mental functioning in patients with Alzheimer's disease and in aging.

Thiamine is needed to metabolize alcohol, but the absorption of the nutrient is hindered by excessive alcohol intake. This puts alcoholics at risk for symptoms associated with thiamine deficiency. Such a deficiency in alcoholics results in brain problems known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This can result in permanent memory impairment, motor problems, and psychosis. Exercise, carbohydrates, alcohol, and diets high in fat and sugar may also lead to thiamine deficiency symptoms.

Research from 1994 on the nervous system found that thiamine supplements improved reaction time one hour after ingestion.3 When supplements were discontinued, however, the improvements waned. Deficiency of the nutrient was found in 1992 to be common in children in intensive care units and undergoing chemotherapy.4 These deficiencies are easily reversed with supplements.

1. Carner MWP, Vitamin deficiency and mental symptoms. Br J Psychiatr 156, 878-882, 1990.

2. O'Keefe S, Tormey W, Glasgow R, et al., Thiamine deficiency in hospitalized elderly patients. Gerontology 1994;40:18-24.

3. Goswami S, Dhara P: Effects of vitamin B-1 supplementation on reaction time in adult males. Med Sci Res 1994;22:279-280.

4. Seear M, Lockitch G, Jacobson B, et al., Thiamine, riboflavin, and pyridoxine deficiencies in a population of critically ill children. J Pediatr 1992; 121:533-538.


	VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE)
	Thiamine is primarily used to prevent and treat impaired mental function, and the Thiamine deficiency disease beriberi. The role of thiamine in disease first came to light in Asia a few centuries ago. Deficiency is the cause of beriberi, a condition marked by mental impairment, muscle wasting, high blood pressure, and heart problems, which was common among Asian sailors and prisoners before the nineteenth century. The Dutch physician Christian Eijkman linked beriberi to dietary factors in the early twentieth century. He speculated that the high consumption of white rice among Asian populations was one reason why the disease was more common in Asia. It was later discovered that thiamine, a water-soluble nutrient found in whole grains, was missing from white rice. Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), a combination of two molecules of phosphoric acid and B-1, is the coenzyme form of this vitamin. TPP is critical in several metabolic functions, including the removal of carbon dioxide reactions, which in turn are important in the conversion of amino acids, carbohydrates and fats to energy. It is also necessary for the conversion of carbohydrates to fat. TPP is needed for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a lack of which causes inflammation of the nerves and memory loss. It may be involved in cognitive functions through its involvement with acetylcholine. Thiamine deficiency has been shown to have a deleterious effect on mental functioning. Estimates show that 30% of all patients entering psychiatric wards are deficient in this nutrient.1 A 1994 study indicates that thiamine deficiency often goes undetected in the elderly, and may be responsible for delirium in this age group.2 Thiamine is able to mimic acetylcholine in the brain and has been effective in improving mental functioning in patients with Alzheimer's disease and in aging. Thiamine is needed to metabolize alcohol, but the absorption of the nutrient is hindered by excessive alcohol intake. This puts alcoholics at risk for symptoms associated with thiamine deficiency. Such a deficiency in alcoholics results in brain problems known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This can result in permanent memory impairment, motor problems, and psychosis. Exercise, carbohydrates, alcohol, and diets high in fat and sugar may also lead to thiamine deficiency symptoms. Research from 1994 on the nervous system found that thiamine supplements improved reaction time one hour after ingestion.3 When supplements were discontinued, however, the improvements waned. Deficiency of the nutrient was found in 1992 to be common in children in intensive care units and undergoing chemotherapy.4 These deficiencies are easily reversed with supplements. 1. Carner MWP, Vitamin deficiency and mental symptoms. Br J Psychiatr 156, 878-882, 1990. 2. O'Keefe S, Tormey W, Glasgow R, et al., Thiamine deficiency in hospitalized elderly patients. Gerontology 1994;40:18-24. 3. Goswami S, Dhara P: Effects of vitamin B-1 supplementation on reaction time in adult males. Med Sci Res 1994;22:279-280. 4. Seear M, Lockitch G, Jacobson B, et al., Thiamine, riboflavin, and pyridoxine deficiencies in a population of critically ill children. J Pediatr 1992; 121:533-538.