Thiamine, or vitamin B1, a colorless, crystalline substance,
acts as a catalyst in carbohydrate metabolism, enabling pyruvic
acid to be absorbed and carbohydrates to release their energy, and
is needed for normal muscle tone of vital internal organs. Thiamin
increases circulation and assist in the production of hydrochloric acid,
blood formation and carbohydrate metabolism. Thiamine also plays a role in the synthesis of nerve-regulating
substances. The first recognized vitamin deficiency disease was
beriberi, a condition that is manifested by numerous neurological
and metabolic disorders. Sufficient thiamine in the diet is a sure
cure for beriberi, a fact that was established over a long period
of time through crude dietary experiments by the Chinese,
Japanese, and Dutch. Biochemically, thiamine forms a coenzyme
after phosphorylation by an ATP-dependent pyrophosphorylase.
Thiamine pyrophosphate contains a substituted pyrimidine nitrogen
heterocyclic ring and a thiazole nitrogen-sulfur heterocycle. The
thiazole moiety is responsible for the coenzyme's activity in
pyruvate metabolism where it acts to perform a nonoxidative
decarboxylation. Clinically, thiamine helps to maintain normal
function of the nervous system, muscles, and heart, and is
necessary for normal growth and development. Common sources of
thiamine are kidney, liver, brewer's yeast, flour, beans, pork,
salmon, soybeans, and wheat germ. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency
are loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and mental
problems. Severe deficiency leads to beriberi, pain in the arms
and legs, heart enlargement and fluid accumulation.
Recommended Dietary Allowances: Men = 1.5 mg; Women = 1.1 mg
IMPORTANCE:- Plays a key role in the body's metabolic cycle for generating energy
- aids in the digestion of carbohydrates
- essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles & heart
- stabilizes the appetite
- promotes growth & good muscle tone
- May lead to the loss of appetite
- weakness & feeling tired
- paralysis & nervous irritability
- insomnia
- loss of weight
- vague aches & pains
- mental depression & constipation
- heart & gastrointestinal problems
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