Importance Of Thiamine
October 29, 2009
Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is an important member of the vitamin B complex group. This vitamin is needed by the body for performing several functions.
This is a water-soluble vitamin, which the body could not store for a long time. If your body does not receive regular supply of thiamine, complete depletion of thiamine could occur within a fortnight.
Functions of thiamine
Metabolism
Thiamine is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrate in the body. It is also needed for the metabolism of amino acids and fats. Larger is the amount of carbohydrate in your diet, greater is the amount of thiamin needed for metabolism of the carbohydrates. Every cell of the body needs thiamine to produce energy or ATP needed for performing their respective functions.
Improves nerve and brain health
For the normal function of nerve cells, thiamine is needed. This B vitamin in also needed for the smooth performance of brain functions. Transmission of specific signals between the brain and spinal cord could be carried out with the help of thiamine. Adequate amount of thiamine in the diet could prevent depression, memory loss, muscle fatigue, muscle stiffness, tingling and numbness in hands and feet, headache, weakness, nausea and loss of appetite.
Aids digestion
Thiamine is also needed for synthesis of hydrochloric acid, an important component for digestion.
Antioxidant
Thiamine also contains antioxidant property. The antioxidant property of thiamine could benefit people from the ill effects of pollution, smoking and alcoholism. This nutrient can also delay appearance of symptoms of aging.
Thiamine benefits for diabetes
People suffering from diabetes could benefit from consumption of thiamine. Researchers believe that thiamine could lower the risk of blockage of blood vessels in diabetes patients.
Beriberi treatment
Thiamine deficiency causes beriberi. Thiamine is injected to provide immediate relief to people suffering from beriberi.
Prevents cataract
According to a study, adequate consumption of thiamine could lower the risk of cataract.
Sources of thiamine
Whole grains, egg yolk, fish, liver, poultry, peas, nuts, legumes, milk, diary products and brewer’s yeast are rich sources of thiamine. Adult men need about 1.2mg of thiamine daily, whereas, adult women need 1.1mg of thiamine everyday. Children need between 0.5 to 0.9 mg of thiamine daily. Pregnant and nursing women need around 1.4mg of thiamine.
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