Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Applications:
Alcoholism, anemia, depression, diarrhea, mental illness, stress, beriberi, shingles, infections.
Scientific Data:
Thiamine deficiencies have been linked to mental illness. Geriatric patients who have surgery may experience a thiamine loss which may explain their postoperative confusion and mental deterioration. Antibiotics, oral contraceptives and sulfa drugs may also decrease thiamine levels. Eating a diet high in carbohydrates increases the need for thiamine.
Depleting Agents:
Stress, caffeine, surgery, excess carbohydrate consumption (sugar), tobacco, raw fish and shellfish, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, sulfa drugs, muscle relaxants.
Sources:
Sunflower seeds, soybeans, brown rice, whole wheat, peanuts.
Interactions:
Adequate supplies of magnesium must be present in order for thiamine to convert to forms the body can use. In addition, a full array of the other B-vitamins must also be supplied in order for all of them to be utilized correctly.
Recommendations:
Thiamine hydrochloride is the most common source of this vitamin in nutritional supplements.
