The Thyroid and Vitamin B1

Thyroid Nutrients
Written By Kylie Wolfig

What is Vitamin B1?

  • Definition: Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for energy metabolism and the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is one of the B-complex vitamins.

  • Origin: The body cannot produce thiamine, so it must be obtained from dietary sources or supplements.

What types of Vitamin B1 are there and what do they do?

  • Natural Forms: Thiamine exists in food primarily as thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), the active form of the vitamin.

  • Synthetic Forms:

    • Thiamine hydrochloride and thiamine mononitrate are used in supplements and fortified foods.

    • Benfotiamine: A fat-soluble derivative often used for diabetic complications.

  • Functions: All forms play a role in carbohydrate metabolism, energy production, and nervous system health.

Daily Requirements for Vitamin B1 in all demographics

  • Infants (0-6 months): 0.2 mg/day

  • Children (1-3 years): 0.5 mg/day

  • Adolescents (9-13 years): 0.9 mg/day

  • Adults (18+ years): 1.1 mg/day for women, 1.2 mg/day for men

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: 1.4 mg/day to support increased metabolic needs.

What does Vitamin B1 do in our body?

  • Energy Production: Acts as a coenzyme in the breakdown of glucose for ATP production.

  • Nerve Function: Essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, promoting nerve signal transmission.

  • Muscle Contraction: Supports proper muscular function by aiding in nerve-muscle coordination.

Symptoms of Vitamin B1 Deficiency

  • Mild Deficiency: Fatigue, irritability, poor memory, and muscle weakness.

  • Severe Deficiency:

    • Beriberi is characterized by muscle wasting, weakness, and cardiovascular issues.

    • Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: A neurological disorder caused by chronic deficiency, common in alcoholics.

What does Vitamin B1 do for our thyroid pathway?

  • Energy for Thyroid Function: Enhances energy metabolism, which is crucial for thyroid hormone production and utilization.

  • Oxidative Stress Reduction: Protects thyroid cells from oxidative damage.

  • Immune Support: Strengthens the immune system, reducing autoimmune attacks on the thyroid.

What does Vitamin B1 do for our Liver?

  • Detoxification: Assists the liver in metabolizing toxins through enzymatic processes.

  • Energy Supply: Supports carbohydrate metabolism in liver cells, maintaining optimal liver function.

  • Fat Metabolism: Helps prevent fatty liver by aiding in the proper breakdown of fats.

What does Vitamin B1 do for our gut?

  • Digestion Support: Enhances carbohydrate digestion and absorption.

  • Gut-Brain Axis: Promotes healthy gut microbiota, indirectly supporting mental health.

  • Motility Regulation: Improves gut motility, reducing the risk of constipation.

Physical Ailments that affect Vitamin B1

  • Alcoholism: Interferes with absorption and storage of thiamine.

  • Diabetes: Increased excretion of thiamine in urine, leading to deficiency.

  • Celiac Disease: Impairs absorption of thiamine due to intestinal damage.

Food that impacts Vitamin B1

  • Thiaminases: Found in raw fish and shellfish, these enzymes break down thiamine.

  • Anti-nutrients: Polyphenols in tea and coffee can reduce absorption.

Medications that Impact Vitamin B1

  • Diuretics: Increase urinary excretion of thiamine.

  • Antibiotics: Prolonged use can disrupt gut flora, reducing thiamine synthesis.

  • Chemotherapy Drugs: Can interfere with thiamine metabolism.

Natural Supplements that negatively impact Vitamin B1

  • High-dose Vitamin C: May degrade thiamine in large quantities.

  • Calcium Supplements: Excess calcium can impair thiamine absorption.

Heavy Metals that Impact Vitamin B1

  • Lead and Mercury: Deplete thiamine stores and disrupt enzyme activity.

  • Cadmium: Interferes with thiamine-dependent enzymatic reactions.

Testing for Vitamin B1

  • Blood Tests: Measure thiamine levels directly in the blood.

  • Erythrocyte Transketolase Activity: Assesses enzyme activity dependent on thiamine.

Nutrients Required for Vitamin B1 Absorption

  • Magnesium: Aids in the activation of thiamine to its coenzyme form.

  • Zinc: Supports thiamine-dependent enzymatic reactions.

Foods high in Vitamin B1

  • Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, and wheat germ.

  • Meats: Pork, liver, and chicken.

  • Legumes: Lentils, black beans, and peas.

  • Seeds and Nuts: Sunflower seeds and flaxseeds.

A Recipe high in Vitamin B1

  • Thiamine Boosting Stir-Fry: Combine pork strips, brown rice, and a mix of green vegetables like broccoli and spinach. Use sesame seeds as a topping for extra nutrients.

Other Random Information about Vitamin B1

  • Heat Sensitivity: Thiamine is destroyed by prolonged cooking or high heat.

  • Storage in the Body: Thiamine has a short half-life, so consistent dietary intake is essential.

  • Mental Health: Adequate thiamine levels are linked to reduced anxiety and better cognitive performance.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or treatment plan. Individual needs may vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Kylie Wolfig
Previous

The Thyroid and Vitamin B2
Next

The Thyroid and Molybdenum