Thiamine was discovered mainly through the discovery of its deficiency syndrome beriberi which is characterised by a polyneuritic paralysis that affects mainly the lower limbs. Beriberi was found in the Far East but became prevalent during the 19th Century, when the introduction of steam-powered rice mills began to permit highly efficient polishing and thus removing this vital nutrient. Beriberi can also present as a ‘wet’ form of the disease, characterised by heart failure and by widespread oedema, especially in the lower limbs. Thiamine functions as part of an enzyme, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), which is required for energy production, carbohydrate, fat, and alcohol metabolism, and nerve cell function.

What is Vitamin B1 used for?

•  INSECT REPELLANT – Some studies suggest that taking large doses of thiamine is effective in reducing mosquito bites. This safe vitamin apparently produces a skin odor that is not detectable by humans, but is disagreeable to pregnant mosquitoes. It seems to be especially effective for hypersensitive allergic individuals. Thiamine takes about 2 weeks before the odor fully saturates the skin.

•  ENERGY PRODUCTION (ATP) – thiamine in the form of thiamine diphosphate (TDP) is required for ATP production. It is essential in the conversion process of pyruvate through to Acetyl-CoA – this then feeds into the Kreb’s cycle.

•  ALCOHOLISM – Chronic alcohol abuse is frequently associated with a range of symptoms that can include Wernicke’s encephalopathy, Korsakoff psychosis, or a combination of these known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Alcoholics often have a low intake of thiamine, impaired absorption,and impaired utilization. Thiamine supplements frequently produce dramatic clinical improvement.

•  BRAIN FUNCTION – thiamine is essential for proper energy production in the brain. Deficiency has been shown to induce impaired mental function, and in severe cases psychosis. Up to 30% of all cases entering psychiatric wards are deficient in thiamine. Thiamine mimics the important neurotransmitter involved in memory, ACETYLCHOLINE. Low plasma thiamine concentrations have repeatedly been observed in patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, but were not found in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

  Dosage - Studies have shown therapeutic intake ranges from 50mg to 8g / day. Insect repellent effects – 150mg or more daily.
  Oral thiamine intake is not associated with any toxicity.

  Potential applications - Insect repellent, Beriberi, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline in the elderly, biliary disease, inflammatory bowel disease and lactic acidosis. In Leigh’s disease, encephalopathy is accompanied by reduced thiamine tri-phosphate (TTP) levels, which can be treated with high-dose thiamine. TTP appears to function in the nerves and brain and may be partly responsible for the neurological signs of Beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

  Known contraindications - None known.

  Interactions - Thiamine supplementation also improves mental function in patients with epilepsy who use the drug Dilantin (phenytoin). Magnesium is required to convert thiamine to its active form. Excess glucose infusion intravenously and ingestion of diets made up primarily of refined, unenriched grain products necessitate increased thiamine intake.

  Useful links - Brain function / nerve protection – alpha lipoic acid, flax seed oil, vitamin E, antioxidant complex, ginkgo biloba

As a food supplement, take one capsule with food, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

One capsule provides: