Discover the power of vitamin and vitamin supplements for hair care

Thiamin was the first B vitamin to be discovered, hence why it is also called vitamin B1. It is among eight water-soluble B vitamins responsible for converting carbohydrates into blood sugars called glucose. B1 is essential for normal growth and development.

Vitamin B1 is the key to nervous system functioning, especially in times of stress. It is shown that vitamin B1 is involved in the synthesis of a particular neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, a brain chemical necessary for nerve cells to communicate. When acetylcholine breakdown is blocked, the ability to form new memories can be compromised and cells lose their ability to effectively send messages to each other. Vitamin B1 has also been found to play a large role in preserving muscle tone along the digestive tract wall, as well as ensuring optimum eye, skin, hair, mouth and kidney health.

Thiamin, as do most of the B vitamins, has a reputation as an ‘anti-stress’ remedy. Apart from its calming effects on the nervous system, B1 is said to boost immune system function, thereby increasing the ability to withstand not only stressful conditions but also viruses and disease that could otherwise take over a suppressed system.

Both plant and animal foods contain thiamin. Pork and most organ meats are very high in B1. Plant sources include whole grains, cereals, pasta, dried beans, nuts, blackstrap molasses, rice, brewer’s yeast, bran and wheat germ. Today, thiamin deficiency is quite rare in the US, although prior to the 1940s, it was not uncommon for people to suffer form this condition, which can eventually lead to difficulty in breathing, heart damage and a loss of mental acuity.

Sometime in the 40s however, the government passed a law requiring all B vitamins that were removed as a result of processing such foods as grains, be added back in. Those not withstanding, particular groups, who do not consume a balanced diet rich in B vitamins, still remain at risk, including those who abuse alcohol, the elderly or those individuals whose diet consists mainly of sugar. Research shows these individuals have difficulty assimilating carbohydrates, resulting in a substance called pyruvic acid that eventually builds up in their bloodstream, resulting in typical symptoms of thiamin deficiency such as memory loss and difficulty in breathing.

The most common use for thiamin is to treat cases of Beriberi, a condition specifically caused by a deficiency in vitamin B1. People who suffer from beriberi exhibit such symptoms as mental confusion, difficulty breathing due to a fluid buildup in their lungs, heart problems, swelling and a burning and tingling sensation in their hands and feet as well as nystagmus, a condition that results in uncontrolled eye movements and all of which can lead to permanent nerve damage. In such cases, thiamin is routinely prescribed with good results.

Another disease vitamin B1 is known to help is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a brain disorder resulting form a thiamin deficiency. This condition is actually two conditions, the first being Wernicke’s disease, a situation caused by malnutrition (especially thiamin) whereby the central and peripheral nervous system becomes damaged, most often caused by consistent alcohol abuse. The second condition is called Korsakoff syndrome, which is known to cause severe memory impairment and other symptoms related to nerve damage. Someone suffering from Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome will also have severe difficulties with muscle coordination. One study indicates that high doses of vitamin B1 did in fact improve coordination and bouts of confusion, however it did little to improve memory.¹

Research suggests that heart failure may be linked to a thiamin deficiency in several ways. First, (CHF) congestive heart failure, a chronic condition that impedes the heart’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body’s organs, has been linked to low B1 blood levels. As well, people who have severe heart failure are potentially at risk of losing a great deal of weight, including significant muscle mass; a situation called cachexia or wasting. When this occurs, they also become deficient in many essential nutrients, including thiamin. While much research is needed in this area before conclusive findings are reached, health professionals recommend that eating a well-balanced diet, rich in thiamin and other B vitamins and avoiding such things as sugar and alcohol is wise, especially for those who have been diagnosed with early stage CHF.²

Thiamin could also be useful in cases of burns. Severe burns result in a significant loss of body nutrients, putting the individual at further risk of infection. These depletions lower the immune system, retarding the healing process and the ability to form new skin cells. As such, replenishing the nutrients is an extremely important part to the recovery process and doctors will routinely prescribe B complex (a combination of many of the B vitamins).

As we age, eye health becomes very important. Cataracts, a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes damaged and cloudy, are quite a common problem among the elderly. Studies show that people who regularly eat a diet containing efficient protein and nutrients such as vitamins A, B1, B2 and niacin, also known as B3, are at a lowered risk of developing cataracts as they age. It is also shown that adding additional sources of vitamin C and vitamin E along with a B complex containing vitamin B1, vitamin B3, folic acid (B9) and vitamin B12 will further decrease the risk and protect the eyes for overall health.³

Some research into the efficacy of thiamin as a preventative and treatment in cases of Alzheimer’s disease is currently underway. It is theorized however, that because individuals with memory loss and decreased brain function routinely show lowered blood levels of thiamin, supplementation could be helpful. So far, studies appear to be inconclusive though.⁴

As with other vitamins, thiamin appears in a variety of forms. Normally, thiamin is contained as an ingredient in multivitamins or a B complex containing many of B vitamins. Children’s multivitamins also contain B1 in a chewable tablet or as liquid drops. Thiamin can be purchased separately however, and may be labeled as thiamin hydrochloride or thiamin mononitrate. It is available as a tablet, softgel and in lozenges. The recommended daily dose of thiamin depends on age, weight and the condition for which it is being recommended, but standard doses are1.1 mg per day for females over 19 and 1.2 mg for males in the same age group. A health professional will prescribe higher doses in cases of Beriberi or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

For the most part, thiamin is considered non-toxic, but in high levels it has been known to cause stomach upset. As well, vitamin B1 has several drug interactions including, the common antibiotic tetracycline, the heart medication digoxin, scopolamine, an anti-nausea medication and in those undergoing chemotherapy treatment. As well, diuretics have been shown to decrease the amount of thiamin in the body by increasing urine excretion. In any of these cases, or if you are taking any other kinds of medications, it is always best to speak with a health professional first.

References:

1. Lindberg MC, Oyler RA, “Wernick's encephalopathy”, Am Fam Physician, 1990;41:1205–1209.
2. Leslie D, Gheorghiade M, “Is there a role for thiamine supplementation in the management of heart failure?”, Am Heart J, 1996;131:1248–1250.
3. Kuzniarz M, Mitchell P, Cumming RG, Flood VM, “Use of vitamin supplements and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study”, Am J Ophthalmol, 2001;132(1):19-26.
4. Ott BR, Owens NJ, “Complementary and alternative medicines for Alzheimer's disease”, J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol,1998;11:163-173.