What is Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)?
You hear a lot about the “B” vitamins. Why do we care? Each variation of Vitamin B plays important roles in the body.
Thiamine is an important vitamin that helps our body use carbohydrates, turn food into energy, and keep the nervous system healthy.
- Thiamine is good for diabetics, and studies show that high blood sugar and insulin levels improve after taking B1 for six weeks.
- Vitamin B1 is great for menstrual cramps.
- Pregnant women have a greater requirement, especially during the third trimester. In lactation, thiamine is delivered to the baby via breast milk.
- It is important for mitochondrial function. In maximizing healthspan/lifespan for biohacking, we focus a ton on mitochondrial health.
- Thiamine is important for nerve synaptic membrane function.
- It has been called an anti-stress vitamin because it helps strengthen the immune system
When you don’t have enough Vitamin B1 intake, you can experience many issues, such as:
- Brain disorder, fatigue, irritability, and poor memory
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbance
- Weight loss
A severe deficiency is called “beriberi,” which presents as nerve, heart, and brain abnormalities. This is often seen in alcoholics.
How Do I Get Vitamin B1?
You can eat it! In food, you find Vitamin B1 in yeast, cereal grains, beans, nuts, and meat. It is found in many Vitamin B-complex products. Whenever you see “fortified” grains — like flour or rice — this means replacing the Thiamine lost by modern processing, thereby adding the vitamin back in.
You can also take supplements through IV delivery or orally.
Who is At Risk for Low Vitamin B1 Levels?
Most people tend to have normal levels, but you should check for low levels if you’re on hemodialysis, have chronic liver disease, or if you’re an alcoholic. Again, if pregnant or breastfeeding, make sure you’re getting enough Thiamine.
How Can Biohackr Health Help?
Testing. Know your levels with our micronutrient test.
Supplement. Most of our IVs have Vitamin B-complex as part of the IV for a reason.
