Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Role in the Body & Benefits

Role in the Body
Thiamin is involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates for energy. It is also important for brain function, memory and mental performance, proper growth, appetite, and heart function.

Dietary Sources
Good sources of thiamin include: pork, beef liver, fish, fortified breads, cereals, flour, and pasta, wheat germ, whole grains, nuts, sunflower seeds, beans, and peas.

Who Is at Risk for Deficiency?
Alcoholics are the group most at risk. Thiamin deficiency is also more common in schizophrenics, long-term kidney-dialysis patients, diabetics and the elderly. You may need more thiamin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take oral contraceptives, have an overactive thyroid or are on a high-carbohydrate diet. Large amounts of coffee and tea may also reduce the body's absorption of thiamin.

Benefits
Thiamin may prevent canker sores.

Cautions
There is no known toxicity.

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