From improving mental ability to helping supply energy to every cell in the body, the benefits of vitamin B1 help the human body to stay strong and healthy.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamin or thiamine, was the first of the B vitamins to be discovered. This water soluble vitamin plays many important roles in the healthy functioning of the body. It often works in conjunction with the other vitamins from the B group.
Without the presence of vitamin B1, the body would not be able to produce energy. Each cell in the body depends upon vitamin B1 to act as a coenzyme, as it converts proteins and carbohydrates that are consumed, into energy that acts as the body's fuel.
The Benefits of Vitamin B1
The many benefits of vitamin B1 keep the mind and body healthy.
- Converts carbohydrates and proteins into energy
- Enables the body to use oxygen for energy storage
- Maintains the central nervous system
- Maintains the nerves cells
- Maintains healthy brain functions
- Acts as a neurotransmitter between memory and learning
- Acts as a transmitter for nerve signals from the brain to the spinal cord
- Coordinates nerve and muscle activity
- Helps reduce depression and improve moods
- Helps achieve a healthy mental attitude
- Helps with red blood cell production
- Keeps mucous membranes healthy
- Helps with hydrochloric acid production which aids in the digestive process
- Helps protect the body from the effects of aging, smoking and alcohol consumption
- Enhances cognitive ability
- Enhances and aids the ability to learn
- Enhances circulation
- Strengthens the muscle tone of the heart
- Supports healthy and proper heart functions
- Strengthens the muscle tone of the stomach and intestines
- Strengthens overall muscle tone
- Essential for healthy growth in children
- Acts as an antioxidant stopping, or slowing, the damage caused by free radicals
- Alleviates the feeling of nausea from seasickness
- Alleviates the feeling of nausea from airsickness
- Alleviate constipation
- Alleviate dental pain if taken before a dental procedure
Possible Benefits of Vitamin B1
There have been research studies, but no positive proof, that indicate that vitamin B1 may have beneficial effects when used in treatment of certain medical conditions. These include:
- Decreasing the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
- Slowing the process of arterial blockage
- Improving glucose tolerance especially for those with diabetes
- Helping with the symptoms of fibromyalgia
- Helping with epilepsy
- Helping with the nutritional needs of HIV support
Vitamin B1 and Alzheimer's Disease
Research studies have shown that vitamin B1 may be helpful to people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. This is due to the fact that vitamin B1 mimics a neurotransmitter that is essential for memory. It is believed that any older individuals with memory problems may benefit from adding vitamin B1 to their dietary intake. However, before adding any dietary supplements, it is always best to check with your medical professional to make sure they are safe for your particular situation and will not contraindicate with any of your prescribed medications.
The Recommended Dietary Allowances of B1
Making sure that you are getting the proper amount of this vital nutrient each day is essential to your overall health. The following are the recommended dietary allowances, known as RDA, of B1 for the United States and Canada.
- Infants 0 to 6 months old - 0.2 mg
- Infants 7 to 12 months old - 0.3 mg
- Children 1 to 3 years old - 0.5 mg
- Children 4 to 8 years old - 0.6 mg
- Children 9 to 13 years old - 0.9 mg
- Males 14 years and older - 1.2 mg
- Females 14 to 18 years old - 1.0 mg
- Females 19 years and older - 1.1 mg
- Pregnant or nursing females - 1.4 mg
Conclusion
The effects of the benefits of vitamin B1 are found throughout the entire human body. It is a key factor in keeping the cells of the body strong and functioning in a healthy manner.
