To live a healthy and fit life, it is important to get enough vitamins and minerals. But we understand that you can no longer see the wood for the trees because of all the different species. Women’s Health to the rescue. As we mentioned earlier about the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, it is now the turn of her sister vitamin B1.
What does vitamin B1 do in your body?
Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is one of the eight essential B vitamins. This vitamin is a real powerhouse and plays a key role in several important health functions. Like all B vitamins, thiamine is water soluble, which means your body doesn’t store it. In short: you have to consume it regularly to get enough vitamin B1.
You need vitamin B1 for the growth and development of your cells. In addition, your body uses thiamine to convert food into energy. In general, you get enough vitamin B1 with a healthy and varied diet. For example, there is thiamine in the following (daily) products:
- White rice
- Egg noodles
- Pork
- Breakfast cereals
- Trout
- Black beans
- Sunflower seeds
- Acorn squash
- Yoghurt
- Brood
- But
How does a vitamin B1 deficiency occur?
A vitamin B1 deficiency simply occurs if you do not consume enough thiamine for a certain period of time (at least 3 weeks). This is usually because you eat too one-sided, for example due to little appetite or a specific diet. Vitamin B1 is found in meat, vegetables, nuts, yeast and grain products.
A deficiency can also arise from:
- Heavy drinkers, since people who drink a lot of alcohol need more vitamin B1. Alcohol inhibits the absorption of vitamin B1.
- People with chronic conditionssuch as intestinal diseases.
- Pregnant women who suffer from nausea and vomiting.
Vitamin B1 deficiency symptoms
Not getting enough thiamine can lead to a vitamin B1 deficiency. Signs and symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency can be easily overlooked as they are not specific enough. That is why it is important to contact your doctor if you have (a combination of) the following complaints:
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Nerve damage
- Tingling arms and legs
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Yield
- Confusion (or even hallucinations)
- Amnesia
Why take vitamin B1?
Vitamin B1 is very important because your body cannot produce it itself. If you don’t get enough vitamin B1 for a long time, this can have consequences for your health.
Consequences of vitamin B1 deficiency
For example, a vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to Wernicke’s syndrome (brain disorder) and Korsakoff’s syndrome (severe memory loss). You can also suffer from heart problems, such as heart failure. This can cause tightness and fluid accumulation in the ankles. If that is not enough, experience shows that a thiamine deficiency can cause nausea, which can cause loss of appetite and weight loss.
Supplement vitamin B1 deficiency
If for whatever reason you follow a one-sided diet, it may be wise to take supplements with vitamin B1 (in consultation with your doctor). That way you can quickly replenish a shortage. Even if you have a chronic intestinal disorder or are pregnant and vomit a lot, it is advisable to contact your doctor or a nutritionist. Exactly which supplements you need to supplement your vitamin B1 deficiency depends on various factors. Therefore, only take vitamin B1 supplements in consultation with your doctor.
Bron: Healthline, Medical News Today