Thiamin Facts – What It Is & How to Get It
Thiamin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin, previously known as vitamin B1. Thiamin was one of the first organic compounds to be recognized as a vitamin.
While many people believe thiamin is beneficial in combatting a host of problems, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says it is effective for:
- Metabolic Disorders
It helps correct metabolic disorders associated with genetic diseases, including Leigh’s disease and maple syrup urine disease. - Thiamine Deficiency
- Brain Disorder Due to Thiamine Deficiency (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome)
This brain disorder is related to thiamine deficiency and is often seen in alcoholics.
The NLM says thiamin is possibly effective for:
- Cataracts
High thiamine intake as part of the diet is associated with a reduced risk of developing cataracts. - Kidney Disease in People with Diabetes
Early research shows that taking high-dose thiamine (100 mg three times daily) for 3 months decreases the amount of albumin in the urine in people with type 2 diabetes. Albumin in the urine is an indication of kidney damage. - Painful Menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
Early research suggests that taking thiamine for 90 days stops pain associated with menstruation in girls 12-21 years-old.
The main thing you need to know is that thiamin is essential for normal growth and development, and it helps to maintain proper functioning of the heart and the nervous and digestive systems. Thiamine is water-soluble and cannot be stored in the body; however, once absorbed, the vitamin is concentrated in muscle tissue.
Foods with Thiamin
Thiamin rich foods include whole wheat breads, eggs, nuts, beans, seeds and meat. It is often used in combination with other B vitamins, and found in many vitamin B complex products.
