Thiamine – Benefits and Information | MyMineralMix
Thiamine – Benefits and Information
Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential vitamin that plays a key role in energy metabolism and the function of the nervous system. It also supports heart function and contributes to overall mental health.
Health Benefits of Thiamine
Thiamine offers the following health benefits:
- Contributes to normal energy metabolism
- Contributes to normal nervous system function
- Contributes to normal psychological function
- Contributes to normal heart function
Additional Functions of Thiamine
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, thiamine fulfills other important functions:
- Involvement in carbohydrate utilization: Thiamine is a cofactor for the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase, which is essential for the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA within energy metabolism.
- Support of cognitive functions: A deficiency in thiamine can lead to neurological disorders, including beriberi disease, which is characterized by muscle weakness, heart problems, and nerve disorders.
- Promotion of heart health: Thiamine can help prevent cardiovascular diseases by supporting heart muscle function and improving energy production in heart muscle cells.
Chemical Properties and Sources
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. Chemically, it is a cationic, i.e. positively charged, pyrimidine-like compound. In plants, thiamine occurs predominantly in free form, and in animals in bound form as thiamine diphosphate (TDP; synonym: thiamine pyrophosphate).
Recommended Dosage and Sources
A thiamine source should contain at least 15% of the recommended daily allowance of 1.1 mg thiamine. Good natural sources of thiamine include:
- Whole grain products
- Pork
- Legumes (e.g., peas, lentils)
- Nuts and seeds
- Fish
Scientific Support
The role of thiamine in energy metabolism, the nervous system, heart health, and psychological well-being is well studied. Further scientific information can be found at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Conclusion
Thiamine is an important vitamin that is essential for energy metabolism, the nervous system, heart health, and psychological function. By regularly consuming foods containing thiamine, you can support these vital functions and contribute to your overall health.
Good to know!
- Interplay with other nutrients: Vitamin B1 works closely in energy and nerve metabolism with other nutrients, including vitamin B2, niacin, and pantothenic acid as well as the mineral magnesium and the vitaminoid α-lipoic acid.
- Sensitivity: Vitamin B1 is sensitive to heat and oxidation. During storage and food preparation, losses of up to 80% can occur.
Sources: REGULATION (EU) No. 432/2012 OF THE COMMISSION of 16 May 2012