Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) : Functions, Food Sources, Symptoms of deficiency, Deficiency Diseases

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Thiamine  acts  as  a  catalyst  in the oxidation process which prepares glucose in the body to provide energy. Vitamin B1 is a vital coenzyme which changes the three sources of energy – fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy (glucose). So, without B1 the body cannot use the food to make energy. It is known as ‘Appetite vitamin’ and makes a person feel hungry.

Functions:

·         Thiamine helps increase hunger. Thus aids normal growth.

·         Thiamine controls mental andnervous fatigue, irritability and restlessness.

·         Promotes growth, protects the heart muscle and stimulates brain action.

·         The vitamin improves peristalsis and helps to prevent constipation.

·         Improves circulation of blood and promotes a healthy skin.

Food Sources of Thiamine

Whole grain cereals, wheat, rice, oats, yeast, sunflower seeds, peanuts, Bengal gram, capsicum, turnip, beet, fish, liver, legumes, nuts, wheat germ, baked beans, whole grains enriched breads and cereals, egg etc.,

Symptoms of thiamine deficiency

·         Loss of appetite, poor digestion.

·         Muscular weakness and feeling tired

·         Insomnia, mental depression,

·         Loss of weight, leg cramps

·         Digestive disorder

·         Slow heart beat and

·         Gastrointestinal problems

Deficiency Diseases

Thiamine deficiency causes beriberi and there are three kinds of Beriberi

1.      Dry Beriberi affects the nervous system, tingling and loss of sensation which may cause limb paralysis and degeneration of nervous tissues. There is difficulty in walking, foot and wrist drop.

2.      Wet Beriberi affects the heart. There is difficulty in breathing. It enlarges the heart causing painful palpitations, disfunctioning of heart and heart attack.

3.      Infantile Beri occurs mostly in infants who cry without sound. Infants has difficulty in breathing, body turn blue and may die within 24-28 hrs.

5. It also leads to poor functioning of gastrointestinal tract and poor appetite.