The vitamin B1, also referred to as "thiamine" and "thiamine", is one of the essential B vitamins. It plays a crucial role in promoting normal glucose metabolism and maintaining optimal nerve conduction, heart function, and gastrointestinal health. Additionally, it combines with adenosine triphosphate to form vitamin B1 pyrophosphate (thiamine diphosphate or coacidase), which acts as an indispensable coenzyme for carbohydrate metabolism. Insufficient levels of this coenzyme can impede oxidative metabolism and result in the accumulation of pyruvate and lactic acid, thereby affecting the body's energy supply. Moreover, when there is a deficiency of vitamin B1, it inhibits cholinesterase activity while increasing acetylcholine hydrolysis rate, leading to disruptions in nerve impulse conduction and impacting gastrointestinal as well as myocardial functions.
Studies have demonstrated a reduction in serum vitamin B1 levels among patients with type 1 diabetes, whereas elderly patients with type 2 diabetes exhibit normal serum vitamin B1 levels. Firstly, vitamin B1 plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal sugar metabolism. Upon glucose ingestion, vitamin B1 is one of the essential components involved in its conversion into energy (ATP) for cellular utilization. Due to the intimate association between vitamin B1 and glucose metabolism, deficiency of this nutrient primarily leads to functional impairments in organs and tissues characterized by high glucose metabolism rates, such as the nervous system and cardiac function. Furthermore, it has been observed that neuropathy, particularly painful neuropathy, can be influenced by vitamin B1 status. Vitamin B1 contributes to the maintenance of normal nerve and myocardial functions. Evidence suggests that congestive heart failure patients often experience vitamin B1 deficiency due to diuretic usage. A small-scale double-blind study revealed improved cardiac function upon intravenous administration of vitamin B1 drips to congestive heart failure patients; similar findings were reported in an earlier non-controlled study. Additionally, supplementation with vitamin B1 may prove beneficial for individuals who consume alcohol excessively or suffer from Crohn's disease, anorexia nervosa or multiple sclerosis; it can also be utilized as part of comprehensive nutritional support for overall well-being. Moreover, preliminary research indicates potential therapeutic applications of vitamin B1 for epilepsy management as well as relief from ulcer pain and myofiber discomfort; however further investigation is warranted.
Additionally, vitamin B1 can inhibit the activity of cholinesterase, an essential coenzyme involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve signal transmission. Insufficient intake of vitamin B1 may result in impaired nerve conduction and a range of neurological symptoms, such as limb numbness, muscle atrophy, and ataxia. It is primarily absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, distributed across various tissues with a half-life (T1/2) of 0.35 hours, metabolized in the liver, excreted via the kidneys. The daily recommended intake for vitamin B1 in healthy individuals ranges from 5 to 15mg. Vitamin B1 finds application as one of the B vitamins for preventing and treating deficiencies that lead to conditions like beriberi or Wernicke's encephalopathy. It also serves as an adjunctive treatment for peripheral neuritis, myocarditis, indigestion, congestive heart failure. Furthermore: - Vitamin B1 supplementation is beneficial for burn patients with fever or long-term chronic infections. - Patients with malabsorption syndrome due to hepatobiliary diseases (e.g., alcoholism-related cirrhosis), small intestinal disorders (e.g., celiac disease or persistent diarrhea), post-gastrectomy complications, hyperthyroidism or undergoing hemodialysis. - Individuals experiencing malnutrition caused by prolonged parenteral nutrition or inadequate dietary intake. - Heavy manual workers and pregnant/lactating women.
Vitamin B1 is also involved in the synthesis of coenzymes in the body to maintain normal digestive system function. Insufficient intake of vitamin B1 can result in symptoms such as dyspepsia, anorexia, and constipation. Clinically, vitamin B1 is primarily utilized for the prevention and treatment of its deficiency which typically manifests as beriberi, neuritis, and gastrointestinal disturbances. It should be clarified that beriberi is not a fungal infection affecting the feet but rather a disorder of the nervous and cardiovascular systems caused by inadequate vitamin B1 levels. Severe deficiency may lead to reduced muscle strength and cardiovascular disorders (e.g., edema, palpitations). Adequate consumption of foods rich in vitamin B1 such as rice bran and wheat germ is recommended to prevent and treat its deficiency. Additionally, special populations including pregnant women, lactating women, and elderly individuals may require additional supplementation due to their higher demand for this nutrient. In summary, vitamin B1 plays a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological functions within the human body. The various symptoms resulting from its deficiency can be prevented or treated through appropriate intake of foods abundant in this essential nutrient or through supplementation when necessary.
