Thiamine - Vitamin B1

Water-soluble B complex vitamins are essential for various metabolic and physiological functions in the human body. They are essential in energy production, DNA synthesis, maintenance of brain and nervous system health. In this article you will find a summary of functions, food sources, health benefits, deficiencies and technical details of a very important vitamin from the B complex.

Vitamin B1 - Thiamine

• Function: Thiamine plays a fundamental role in energy metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system. Known as vitamin B1, its main functions are:

  • Carbohydrate Energy Metabolism: Thiamine is essential for the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose. It acts as a coenzyme in the form of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), a cofactor for the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl-CoA, essential for the production of energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). Coenzymes are molecules that help enzymes in their functions. So Thiamine is essential in several enzymatic reactions involved in the breakdown and use of carbohydrates;

  • Nerve Function: Thiamine is essential in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, which is fundamental for memory and learning. Thiamine contributes to the integrity of cell membranes in neurons and the production of lipids. In the cell membrane, it contributes to the integrity of membranes in neurons, as they are necessary for the production of lipids. In the Central Nervous System (CNS), it is essential to maintain myelin, the protective layer that surrounds nerve fibers. Furthermore, as Thiamine is a source of energy, it is essential for providing energy to neurons;

  • Production of Nucleic Acids: Thiamine also plays a very important role in the production of nucleic acids, which are essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Not as well known as in carbohydrate energy metabolism, but just as important. In the form of thiamine pyrophosphate it acts as a transketolase coenzyme in the pentose phosphate cycle, this metabolic pathway is essential for the production of ribose-5-phosphate, a precursor for the synthesis of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of nucleic acids. . Indirectly, Thiamine can influence gene expression by ensuring that the precursors necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids are available. These precursors are also essential for DNA repair.

• Food Sources: Thiamine can be found in various foods of animal and plant origin. Below is a list of the main foods that contain vitamin B1:

  • Pork meat;

  • Beef meat such as liver and heart;

  • Fish meat such as salmon, tuna and trout;

  • Chicken meat, especially the dark parts;

  • Whole grains such as wheat, brown rice, oats and corn;

  • Legumes such as beans, lentils and peas;

  • Brewer's yeast;

  • Nuts and seeds such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios and sunflower seeds;

  • Vegetables such as spinach, kale and peas;

  • Fruits like orange and melon.

• Health benefits: Adequate intake of foods containing Thiamine (Vitamin B1) brings several health benefits. In addition to the benefits mentioned in the main functions of Thiamine, we can bring more benefits to your life. Adequate intake of vitamin B1 contributes to your cardiovascular health, as it helps maintain the strength and efficiency of heart contractions, reducing the risk of heart failure. In the immune system, Thiamine is involved in the production of energy necessary for the proliferation and activity of immune cells. And finally, we can mention the fundamental role in the production of Hydrochloric Acid in the stomach, which is essential for the proper digestion of food.

• Main problems caused by vitamin B1 deficiency: Thiamine deficiency can lead to several serious neurological problems such as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (neurological disorders, confusion and memory loss) and Beriberi (muscle weakness, heart problems and neuropathy).

• Technical details of Vitamin B1:

  • CAS Number: 67-03-8;

  • Molecular formula: C12H17N4OS;

  • Molar mass: 265.3492 g mol-1;

  • Melting point: 248°C;

  • Solubility: Soluble in water.

To find out more about dietary supplements, be sure to read the article Food Supplements .