Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Sources of Vitamin B1

Natural Sources

Whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and yeast.

Animal Sources

Pork, liver, and other organ meats are rich in thiamine.

Enriched and Fortified Foods

Many breads, cereals, and flour products are fortified with thiamine.

Functions of Vitamin B1

Energy Metabolism: Vital for the conversion of carbohydrates into energy.

Nervous System Function: Essential for nerve function and the transmission of certain types of nerve signals.

Muscle Function: Plays a role in muscle contraction and the conduction of nerve signals.

Effects of Vitamin B1 Deficiency

Beriberi: A disease caused by thiamine deficiency, leading to symptoms like weakness, nerve damage, and heart problems.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: Mostly seen in alcoholics, it affects brain function due to poor thiamine absorption.

General Symptoms: Include fatigue, irritability, reduced reflexes, and poor muscle coordination.

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin B1

Adults

Approximately 1.1 to 1.2 mg/day.

Increased Needs

Seen in pregnant and breastfeeding women, athletes, and individuals with certain medical conditions.

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Properties of Vitamin B1

Chemical Nature

Water-soluble, which means it is not stored in the body and needs to be consumed regularly.

Sensitivity

Sensitive to heat, prolonged cooking, and alkaline conditions can destroy thiamine.

Stability

More stable in acidic environments and less so in neutral or alkaline settings.

Example Exam Questions and Answers

1. Identify two primary functions of Vitamin B1 in the body.

Vitamin B1 is crucial for energy metabolism and nervous system function, including nerve signals and muscle coordination.

2. What are common dietary sources of Vitamin B1?

Thiamine is commonly found in whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, pork, liver, and fortified foods like bread and cereals.

3. Describe the effects of Vitamin B1 deficiency.

Deficiency can lead to diseases like beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, characterized by weakness, nerve damage, and brain function issues.