What is Thiamine (Vitamin B1)?
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for human health. It plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including carbohydrate metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system. Despite its importance, thiamine deficiency remains a significant health issue in many parts of the world, leading to a range of medical conditions. Other names include: Aneurine Hydrochloride, Antiberiberi Factor, Antiberiberi Vitamin, Antineuritic Factor, Antineuritic Vitamin, B Complex Vitamin, Chlorhydrate de Thiamine, Chlorure de Thiamine, Complexe de Vitamine B, Facteur Anti-béribéri, Facteur Antineuritique, Hydrochlorure de Thiamine, Mononitrate de Thiamine, Nitrate de Thiamine, Thiamine Chloride, Thiamine Disulfide, Thiamine HCl, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Thiamin Mononitrate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Thiamine Nitrate, Thiamine Pyrophosphate, Thiaminium Chloride Hydrochloride, Tiamina, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B-1, Vitamina B1, Vitamine Anti-béribéri, Vitamine Antineuritique, Vitamine B1.
Biological Functions
Thiamine functions as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in energy metabolism, particularly those located in the mitochondria. These enzymes are critical for the production of ATP, the energy currency of the cell, and are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and fatty acids3 7. Thiamine is also essential for the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and the functioning of the antioxidant machinery3.
Thiamine Deficiency and Health Implications
Thiamine deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular disorders, neurological and psychiatric conditions, and metabolic issues.
Cardiovascular Disorders
Thiamine deficiency has been linked to several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and risk factors such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, obesity, chronic vascular inflammation, dyslipidemia, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and conduction defects1. Studies suggest that thiamine supplementation could potentially reverse some of these conditions, although more research is needed to confirm these effects1.
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions
The brain is particularly vulnerable to thiamine deficiency due to its high energy demands. Deficiency can result in a range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, from mild issues like confusion and memory loss to severe conditions such as encephalopathy, ataxia, and even death3. Thiamine deficiency is also associated with cognitive deficits and encephalopathy, conditions that share similarities with Alzheimer’s disease7.
Metabolic Effects
Thiamine plays a vital role in metabolic processes, and its deficiency can lead to impaired aerobic respiration and cellular energy production. This is particularly evident in conditions like septic shock, where thiamine deficiency can contribute to lactic acidosis and organ injury9. High-dose thiamine therapy has been shown to prevent overnutrition-induced hepatic steatosis in animal models, although its effects on body weight and blood glucose levels are less clear6.
Thiamine in Plant Health
Thiamine is not only essential for human health but also plays a significant role in plant health. It is involved in energy production and central metabolism in plants, including carbon assimilation and respiration2. Thiamine also contributes to plant stress responses and disease resistance, making it a valuable component in agricultural practices aimed at improving crop yield and food security2 4.
Thiamine as an Insect Repellent
Despite anecdotal reports suggesting that thiamine can act as a systemic insect repellent, scientific evidence does not support this claim. Controlled experiments have found no evidence that thiamine can repel insects, and its promotion as an insect repellent poses a risk, especially in areas with endemic mosquito-vectored diseases5.
Modern Thiamine Deficiency
Modern lifestyles and dietary habits have led to measurable thiamine deficiency in various populations, even in developed countries. Factors such as environmental and pharmaceutical chemicals can degrade thiamine, making it difficult to meet the daily recommended intake through diet alone8. This underscores the need for a better understanding of thiamine chemistry and its role in modern living and disease.
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Adverse Effects of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Anaphylactic Reactions
Thiamine can cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, particularly when administered parenterally (via injection)2 7.
Neurological and Psychiatric Effects
Thiamine deficiency is linked to neurological and psychiatric symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, sleep disturbances, encephalopathy, and ataxia. Severe deficiency can lead to conditions like Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome3 4 5.
Cardiovascular Complications
Thiamine deficiency can result in cardiovascular issues, including heart failure, myocardial infarction, and conduction defects. These complications are often observed in malnourished individuals or those with chronic conditions1 4 9.
Allergic Reactions
Thiamine can cause allergic reactions such as urticaria (hives), edema, and facial erythema, particularly following intramuscular administration7.
Metabolic Effects
High-dose thiamine therapy can alter metabolic processes, such as increasing plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and serum creatinine, indicating changes in muscle metabolism. However, it does not significantly affect body weight or blood glucose levels6.
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How has Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Improved Patient Outcomes?
Improvement in Cardiac Function in Heart Failure Patients
Thiamine supplementation improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and diuresis in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) on long-term furosemide therapy2.
Reduction in ICU Delirium
Thiamine supplementation was associated with a 42% lower odds of developing ICU delirium in critically ill patients10.
Impact on Renal Function in ICU Patients
Thiamine supplementation reduced serum creatinine levels in ICU patients, particularly those over 60 years old, but did not significantly affect lactate levels, mortality, or the need for renal replacement therapy1.
In septic shock patients, thiamine alone (without ascorbic acid) was associated with improved ICU mortality compared to a combination of thiamine and ascorbic acid9.
Effect on Depression
Adjuvant thiamine improved symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) faster compared to placebo, with significant improvements observed within six weeks of treatment3.
Neuroprotective Effects in Alzheimer’s Disease
Thiamine and its precursors, such as benfotiamine, showed potential neuroprotective effects and improved cognitive outcomes in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease7.
However, another review found no significant evidence supporting thiamine’s effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s disease symptoms6.
Clinical Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer
Higher levels of thiamine monophosphate were associated with lower all-cause mortality in non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients4.
No Significant Impact on Lactate Levels or Clinical Outcomes in Hypophosphatemia
In critically ill patients with hypophosphatemia, thiamine did not significantly affect blood lactate levels or other clinical outcomes5.
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Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Mechanisms of Action
Coenzyme Role in Metabolism
Thiamine acts as a coenzyme in the form of thiamine diphosphate (ThDP), essential for glucose and energy metabolism, and is critical for neuronal functions1 2 5 8.
Non-Coenzyme Mechanisms
Thiamine and its derivatives (e.g., thiamine triphosphate) regulate various enzymes and proteins through non-coenzyme mechanisms, including allosteric regulation of malate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and pyridoxal kinase1 2 4.
Thiamine triphosphate-dependent phosphorylation of acetylcholine receptor-associated protein rapsyn and interaction with the TAS2R1 receptor enhance synaptic ion currents and acetylcholinergic neurotransmission2 4.
Neuroprotective and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Thiamine derivatives like benfotiamine and dibenzoylthiamine exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are independent of ThDP’s coenzyme function, and improve cognitive outcomes in neurodegenerative conditions3.
Regulation of Protein Acetylation
Thiamine is involved in the regulation of protein acetylation, impacting acetyl-CoA metabolism and acetylcholine biosynthesis, which are crucial for brain function and neuroprotection1 4.
Interaction with Noncanonical Proteins
Thiamine binds to noncanonical proteins such as p53, PARP1, and prion protein PRNP, influencing systemic regulatory pathways and potentially modulating pain, immunity, and neurodegeneration2 4.
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Common Complaints Associated with Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Use
Neurological and Psychiatric Symptoms
Thiamine deficiency can lead to a range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including confusion, reduced memory, sleep disturbances, severe encephalopathy, ataxia, and muscle atrophy3.
In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a significant negative correlation was found between thiamine intake and depression levels, suggesting that inadequate thiamine may exacerbate depressive symptoms4.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Prodromal characteristics of Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) in patients with kidney disease include gastrointestinal symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, abdominal pain, and diarrhea2.
Cardiovascular Concerns
Thiamine deficiency is linked to various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and risk factors, including heart failure, myocardial infarction, and chronic vascular inflammation. However, the specific complaints related to thiamine supplementation in these conditions were not detailed1.
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Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
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