Vitamin B1 was first discovered by the Japanese scientist Umetaro Suzuki in 1910. The original name of Vitamin B1 was aberic acid. It was later changed into aneurin when Jansen and Donath managed for the first time to crystallize Vitamin B1 in 1926. The final name of this member of the B vitamins was established in 1935 by the American chemist Robert R. Williams who named it Vitamin B1or Thiamin. This scientist reported for the first time the composition and synthesis of Vitamin B1.
The role of Vitamin B1 or Thiamin is to produce glucose which means energy for the nervous system as well as for the brain which otherwise could not function efficiently. Lack of energy in the brain and in the nervous system leads to depression, fatigue, apathy and forgetfulness. Unfortunately, Vitamin B1 does not seem to be helpful for those suffering from diabetes, although it plays an important role in glucose production.
Another task of Vitamin B1 is to maintain the heartbeats strong and regular and to make sure that the cardiac muscle preserves its elasticity and preserves a good shape. Vitamin B1 deficiencies might lead to irregular heartbeats because the elasticity of the cardiac muscle decreases.
Vitamin B1 is soluble in water therefore it is really safe to take. Women are recommended to take 1.1 mg of Vitamin B1 per day whereas men should take 1.5 mg.
Vitamin B1 deficiency
Beriberi is the condition that is most frequently encountered in the case of Vitamin B1 insufficiency. This condition affecting the nervous system can worsen the general state of other organs in the body, finally leading to death if it is not properly treated. Beriberi triggers the following symptoms: irritability, malaise, confusion and weight loss. In the end, the disease will induce heart failure.
People who lack Vitamin B1 in the body might experience sleep apnea (long pauses between two breaths), insomnia, impotence, infertility, dementia and depression.
Vitamin B1 deficiency can also trigger the appearance of large, painful canker sores inside the mouth.
In America and the developed countries in general, there are many cases of beriberi caused by the abuse of alcohol which is known to annihilate Vitamin B1. On the contrary, in poorer countries, this disease is caused by advanced malnutrition. The Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is also likely to appear. This beriberi form is the one that attacks the brain. The causes which lead to this syndrome are the same: severe alcoholism or malnutrition.
Where Can We Get Vitamin B1 from?
The food products that contain lots of Vitamin B1 are whole grain flour, brown rice, yeast and oatmeal, but also potatoes, cauliflower, kale, asparagus, oranges, pork, beef and pork liver, eggs. If you want to ensure your Vitamin B1 supplies for the day, have eggs, oatmeal or vitamin cereals for breakfast.
Vitamin B1 is very efficient against stress due to the fact that it seems to be able to give your immune system a boost. Vitamin B1 will also be of great help in the fight of your body against external dangers and stressful situations which could really affect you health.
