Vitamin B1 Thiamin or Thiamine

Vitamin B1 is now referred to as the vitamin Thiamine and was one of the first compounds to be recognized as a vitamin.

There are a multitude of bodily functions that Thiamine is involved, including muscle function, the nervous system, flow of electrolytes in and out of nerve and muscle cells, carbohydrate metabolism and digestion. Depletion easily occurs because the human body stores little amounts.

Severe deficiencies lead to serious complications involving the brain, muscles, intestines, heart, stomach and nervous system.

Where do humans get B1 Thiamine?

We absorb Thiamine through from the foods that we eat. Good dietary sources include beef, beans & lentils known as legumes, brewer’s yeast, nuts, oats, milk, oranges, seeds, pork, rice’s, wheat, yeast and whole-grain cereals. Industrialized countries often infuse their white flour and rice with Thiamine.

What are its uses?

Thiamine is used in treatment of alcoholics, metabolic disorders and Thiamine deficiency symptoms. Other treatments involve Thiamine but the results on safety and effectiveness are not yet conclusive. These include treating Alzheimer’s disease, anemia, athletic performance, blood vessel clotting, cancer, cataract prevention, Cerebellar ataxia (brain damaged movement disorder), clogged arteries, coma/hypothermia of unknown origin, Crohn’s disease, diabetic complications, heart failure, epilepsy, kidney dysfunction, leg and menstrual cramps and much more.

Thiamine Hydrochloride Injection should be used where rapid restoration of thiamine is necessary.

What are the interaction precautions of Thiamine?

• People taking drugs that lower blood pressure should use caution, because Thiamine can cause low blood pressure. Additionally, people taking drugs for diabetes either by mouth or insulin injection, should be closely monitored by qualified healthcare professionals, including a pharmacist. Adjustments to medication may be required.
• Thiamine may also interact with the following medications for treating the immune system, HIV, athletic performance, widen blood vessels, heart disorders, alcohol, oral birth control, dichloroacetate, dextrose, flumazenil, phentoin, thyroid hormone, heart rate-regulating agents, ifosfamide, metformin, naloxone, nervous system, neuromuscular blocking, pain relievers, tobacco and weight loss medications.
• Inform your doctor of all prescription or OTC drugs that you are currently taking and consult before starting new drugs.

Herbs and Dietary Supplement Interactions

Caution is warranted when using all herbs or supplements that my lower blood sugar and blood glucose levels may require monitoring for dosage adjustments. Further caution is warranted for all supplements or herbs that lower blood pressure.

Thiamine may also interact with the following herbs and supplements for treating antacids, Alzheimer's, antibacterials, anticancer, benfotiamine, betel nuts, nervous system herbs and supplements, neuromuscular herbs and supplements, birth control taken by mouth, heart rate-regulation, herbs and supplements that affect the immune system, herbs and supplements that enhance athletic performance, promote urination, widen blood vessels, heart disorders, horsetail, pain relievers, sedatives, polyphenols, thyroid herbs and supplements, vitamins, tobacco, and weight loss herbs and supplements.

Before undertaking B1 supplementation, consult your healthcare professional and trained homeopathic council for recommendations and safety precautions.

Safety

Allergies

All people with a known allergy or sensitivity to any parts of Thiamine supplements should avoid Thiamine supplements. Rare life threatening allergic reactions have been reported after multiple doses of Thiamine injected into the vein, muscle or skin.

Avoid Using

• High doses of thiamine injected into the vein or brain, and unless under the advice of a health professional, all doses higher than those found in marketed products.
• In people with a known allergies or sensitivities to any parts in thiamine supplements.
• In the absence of vitamin B6 and Nicotinamide or life threatening brain damage can occur.

Side Effects and Warnings

Thiamine may cause low blood pressure; therefore, caution is advised in people who have low blood pressure or those taking drugs that lower blood pressure. Caution is also advised in people with diabetes or high blood sugar, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar or that widen blood vessels.

Breastfeeding women, those receiving chemotherapy and people with abnormal heart rates should use cautiously.

Thiamine can cause weight changes, excitation, immune changes, increased cancer risk, seizures when injected into the vein or brain, drowsiness, muscle relaxation, widened blood vessels, burning or itching skin irritation, and slow heart rate.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The RDA for pregnant or breastfeeding women of any age is 1.4 milligrams daily.

Due to a lack of scientific evidence of Thiamine use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is suggested to use cautiously during these times.

Dosage

Daily oral doses considered safe are as follows.

Adults 19 and older, 1.2 milligrams for males and 1.1 milligrams for females; and for pregnant or breastfeeding women of any age, 1.4 milligrams.

Adults as a supplement when taken by mouth daily in doses of 1-2 milligrams.

People with or at risk of thiamine deficiency, in doses of 50 milligrams taken by mouth daily.

Children oral dosage: 0.2 milligrams in infants 0-6 months old; 0.3 milligrams in infants 7-12 months old, 0.5 milligrams in children 1-3 years old, 0.6 milligrams in children 4-8 years old, 0.9 milligrams in children 9-13 years old

1.2 milligrams in males 14-18 years old, and 1 milligram in females 14-18 years old.

The following doses of thiamine are considered to be potentially safe: 50-100 milligrams taken by mouth daily for 3-6 months, 50-100 milligrams injected into the vein 3-4 times daily, 5-200 milligrams injected into the muscle in five divided doses over two days.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate. Keep from freezing.

Store the dietary supplement in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

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