Thiamin
Thiamin (a vitamin B-1) helps the body convert food into energy. It is also necessary for the growth, development, and function of cells.
Most people get enough thiamin from the food they eat. Foods high in thiamin include yeast beans, pork, and rice. fortified foods such as breakfast cereals also contain thiamin. However, heating foods can reduce the thiamin content. Thiamin can also be taken as a supplement typically by mouth.
People who have had bariatric surgery may have conditions such as HIV/AIDS, alcoholism, or use of drugs that can lead to a thiamin deficiency. A deficiency in thiamin can cause the neurological condition Wernicke-Korsakoff's syndrome or beriberi, a condition caused by insufficient levels of thiamin. Peripheral nerve damage is a condition that affects the nerves that are not near the brain or spinal cord.
People also take thiamin to treat inherited metabolic diseases.
The recommended daily amount of thiamin for adult men is 1.2 grams and for adult women is 1.1 grams.
Evidence
Studies on the use of thiamin for specific conditions show:
- Inherited metabolic disorders.Oral thiamin can help temporarily correct health problems caused by genetic defects, most commonly inherited from both parents. These problems can interfere with the body's metabolism, specifically with the way that food is processed. One example is maple syrup urine disease.
Our take
Generally safe
A healthy diet will provide most people with enough thiamin. However, for people who have had bariatric surgery or are living with conditions such as HIV/AIDS or alcoholism, a thiamin supplement might be necessary. Thiamin is generally safe.
Safety and side effects
Thiamin is likely safe when used orally in appropriate doses. Rarely, it can cause a skin reaction.
Interactions
There is currently no evidence to suggest that thiamin interacts with other medications.
Although regularly chewing areca (betel) nuts or eating raw fish or shellfish might contribute to thiamin deficiency, occasional chewing of areca (betel) nuts or eating them rarely does not.