Definition
One of the B vitamins, a group of water-soluble vitamins that participate in many of the chemical reactions in the body.

Thiamine is important in the production of energy.

Alternative Names
Vitamin B1 (thiamine); Diet - thiamine; Deficiency - vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Function
Thiamine (vitamin B1) helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system.

Food Sources
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is found in fortified breads, cereals, pasta, whole grains (especially wheat germ), lean meats (especially pork), fish, dried beans, peas, and soybeans. Dairy products and milk, fruits, and vegetables are not very high in thiamine. However, when they are consumed in large amounts, they become a significant source.

Side Effects
A deficiency of thiamine can cause weakness, fatigue, psychosis, and nerve damage. Thiamine deficiency is most commonly seen in alcoholics. A total absence of thiamine can cause the disease called beriberi, which is very rare in the United States. There is no known toxicity to thiamine.

Recommendations
Recommended daily allowances (RDAs) are the levels of essential nutrients that the Food and Nutrition Board has judged meet the known nutrient needs of almost all healthy persons.

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.