Where is b1 found

Skip to content The Nutrition Source. Harvard T. The Nutrition Source Menu. Search for:. Vitamin B1 and Health Because thiamin is involved in several basic cell functions and the breakdown of nutrients for energy, a deficiency can lead to various problems in the brain and heart that require a constant supply of energy.

Congestive heart failure A deficiency of thiamin can lead to abnormal motor functions in the heart. Cognitive function Research has shown that thiamin deficiency can lead to neurological problems such as cognitive decline.

Thiamine: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. The discovery of thiamin. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism. Effects of thiamine on cardiac function in patients with systolic heart failure: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

Ochsner Journal. Vitamin B1 thiamine and dementia. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Lessons from diabetes. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience. Though rare in developed countries like the United States, deficiencies in B1 can create serious medical problems. Severe deficiency of thiamine causes complications involving the nervous system, brain, muscles, heart and gastrointestinal system," said Ross.

Beriberi can cause abnormal nerve function, heart failure and swelling in the legs, while Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome can cause memory loss, confusion and difficulty with balance. These problems are most common in alcoholics. Drinking too much alcohol makes it harder for the body to absorb and store thiamine, according to the National Library of Medicine.

In many cases, alcoholism treatment includes B1 therapy. Beriberi can also be passed down through genes. The elderly are also susceptible to thiamine deficiency.

This is because their bodies have a harder time absorbing the vitamin. The use of diuretics is another cause for B1 deficiency, according to Oregon State University. Since B1 is water soluble and is not stored in the body, diuretics, which primary use is to flush water from the body, also flushes away vitamins like thiamine.

The symptoms of B1 deficiency are many and typically are related to the nervous, muscular and gastrointestinal systems. According to a review published by the journal Congestive Heart Failure , symptoms include depression, emotional instability, uncooperative behavior, fearfulness, agitation, weakness, dizziness, insomnia, memory loss, pain sensitivity, peripheral neuropathy, sonophobia, backache, muscular atrophy, myalgia, nausea, vomiting and constipation.

Function Thiamine helps to process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Major Food Sources Thiamine is mostly found in whole-grain and enriched grain products like bread, pasta, rice, and fortified cereals. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency include: Fatigue Weak muscles Muscle ache Lightheadedness Numbness and tingling in arms and legs Nausea and vomiting Anorexia Confusion Beriberi is still seen in people with alcohol use disorder AUD , in people whose ability to absorb thiamine is impaired, some people with kidney failure that eliminate thiamine, and in developing countries where foods are not fortified.

Wernicke Encephalopathy A deficiency of thiamine can cause Wernicke encephalopathy WE , which affects mental status and vision. Heart Failure In people with heart failure , the heart's ability to pump weakens, and fluid begins to build up in the lungs and legs.

Conditions That May Increase the Need for Thiamine While thiamine deficiency in a healthy person is uncommon, there are conditions that can increase the need for thiamine, making a deficiency possible. If you have any of the following conditions, talk with your doctor about your thiamine needs: AUD Eating disorders HIV infection or AIDS Dialysis Bariatric surgery Prolonged diuretic use Liver disease Tips for Increasing Your Thiamin Intake: To help increase your intake of thiamin, add some of these to your diet: Make a fruit salad with oranges, pineapple, orange juice, and cantaloupe.

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