Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Vitamin B1 has many important biological roles, most notably in the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and alcohol. It also acts as a cofactor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thus aiding brain function, and is integral to optimal heart and nervous system functioning. 

Although vitamin B1 deficiency is rare, it may be prominent in cases of chronic malnourishment, particularly where the majority of dietary energy is carbohydrate derived (diets high in carbohydrate have greater requirement for thiamin). Deficiency is also seen in alcoholism, evident by the presence of Wernicke-Korsakov syndrome (a brain disorder). Uptake of the vitamin may also be adversely affected by factors such as;

• Antibiotics
• Tea/coffee consumption
• Medications such as antacids
• Stress

Chronic intakes, above 3 g / day, are toxic to adults, indicated by a wide variety of clinical signs such as headache, insomnia, rapid pulse, contact dermatitis, and pruritus.