Thiamin Vitamin B1 Structure Chemistry and Biological Role

Vitamin B1 or thiamin or thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B1 is chemically termed thiamin or even thiamine. Thiamine is one of the eight vitamins of the B-complex. Termed as the “morale vitamin”, the indispensable nutrients in thiamine play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy nervous system and also promoting cardiac health. Thiamin is a colourless organo-sulfur compound. It is soluble in water and by dissolving in the blood it is transported throughout the body. Thiamine cannot be produced inside the human body and therefore it needs to be taken in the form of dietary food options or as supplements.

Thiamine B1 helps the body in breaking down food. It breaks complex carbohydrates into simple forms of sugar that are glucose, fats, and proteins which in turn provides energy to the body for carrying out various bodily activities.

In the year 1897, thiamine B1 was the first vitamin to be discovered. Initially, thiamine was given the name "aneurin" (for antineuritic vitamin). But later, it was named as Thiamine or “thio” or “sulfur-containing” vitamins.  In 1936, it was first synthesized by dutch chemists Barend Coenraad Petrus Jansen and Willem Frederik Donath.

Importance of Thiamine B1

Thiamine B1 is a potent antioxidant and neural compound. Thiamine is used in treating a myriad of ailments and their complications which include the brain, nervous system, muscles, heart, as well as stomach. Thiamine also helps us to alleviate the risks and symptoms of thiamine deficiency like beriberi, pellagra, inflammation of the nerves outside the brain, or peripheral neuritis. Some other useful properties of thiamine are as follows:

• Several types of research have suggested that thiamine is very beneficial for diabetic pain, heart problems, alcohol addiction, cataract, glaucoma, motion sickness. Thiamine use can also benefit cerebellar syndrome which is a type of brain damage, canker sores, diabetic pain, kidney disease, menstrual problems, and AIDS.

• It is also essential for boosting immunity, improving athletic performance and strengthening the muscles, preventing kidney disease in type 2 diabetic patients, and also cervical cancer. 

• Thiamine plays an important role in managing various neural disorders like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Bell’s palsy. Thiamine B1 is also important in curing a memory disorder called Wernicke's encephalopathy syndrome. It also helps in improving memory and concentration.

• Thiamine shots or injections are given to patients suffering from a coma or to those who are terminally ill. It is a remedy for people who are diagnosed with maple syrup urine disease and Leigh’s disease.

• It alleviates stress and improves the ability of the body to withstand high levels of stress. It helps in enhancing learning abilities in children and adults, increasing stamina.

• Thiamine B1 improves the functions of the cardiovascular system. Intake of foods rich in thiamine B1 has greatly improved heart functions, normalized blood pressure, prevent chronic conditions like heart block, stroke, heart attack, etc.

• It is effective in improving the gastrointestinal system, treating diarrhoea, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Thiamine B1 acts as a natural antioxidant that fortifies the body from harmful free radical damages like wrinkles, fine lines, spots, dark circles, etc. to give way to a spotless, blemish-free complexion.

Thiamine Sources in Food  

Thiamin is also known as the morale vitamin is extremely vital for the healthy functioning of the body. Thiamine B1 cannot be produced by the body, and therefore to fulfil the dietary needs one has to strictly depend on external food sources and supplements. Mother Nature has blessed us with a bountiful amount of natural food sources that are laden with thiamine B1 that suffices our daily requirements.

• Vegetables that have thiamine sources are green peas, lima beans, soybean sprouts, squash, potato, cauliflower, asparagus, kale, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, spinach, tuna, Brussels sprouts, and eggplant.

• Fruits that have thiamine sources are oranges. Dairy products like yoghurt, cheddar cheese, and milk contain few quantities of thiamine B1.

• Breakfast cereals containing granola, muesli, oatmeal, whole wheat, rye, etc. are filled with thiamine B1. Grain products like wheat germ, cornflour, pasta, granola bars, and bread are rich in thiamine B1.

• Some animal sources having a rich source of thiamine B1 are sea fishes like tuna, mackerel, salmon, mussels, and pork and beef.

• Few amounts of thiamine B1 are present in nuts like pistachio, brazil nut, macadamia nuts, pecan nuts, peanuts, and also in pulses and yeasts.

• Heating and processing the food sources reduces the thiamine content in it. It is advisable to consume thiamin raw, unprocessed, or slightly cooked.

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