Vitamin B1 Thiamine

Vitamin B1, also called thiamin(e), is one of the eight water-soluble B vitamins.

Vitamin B1 plays an essential role in the production of energy from food, the synthesis of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) and the conduction of nerve impulses.

Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is mostly formulated in combination with other B-vitamins (B-complex) for use in white flour, cereals, pasta, rice, beverages and dietary supplements.

Metabolic disorders. Taking thiamine by mouth helps correct metabolic disorders associated with genetic diseases, including Leigh's disease, maple syrup urine disease, and others.

Thiamine deficiency. Taking thiamine by mouth helps prevent and treat thiamine deficiency.

Brain disorder due to thiamine deficiency (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome). Thiamine helps decrease the risk and symptoms of a specific brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). This brain disorder is related to low levels of thiamine (thiamine deficiency) and is often seen in alcoholics. Between 30% and 80% of alcoholics are believed to have thiamine deficiency. Giving thiamine shots seems to help decrease the risk of developing WKS and decrease symptoms of WKS during alcohol withdrawal.