Natural Medicines Newsletter

Volume 2, Issue 48, 12/15/2010

Question

What cellular or biochemical reactions require the presence of vitamin B1 (Thiamin)?

Answer

Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is a well known water-soluble vitamin required by the human body to carry normal biologic reactions.(1)  Our bodies get thiamin from two different sources with the majority coming from our diet and the remaining from normal flora found in our large intestines.  The problem with thiamin is our ability to become deficient fairly quickly compared to other vitamins.  This is in part why thiamin is added to some foods and reported on many food labels.   Natural sources of thiamin include whole-grain cereals and breads, legumes, and meats, such as pork and liver, whereas milk, fruits, seafood and vegetables are not good sources.(1) The reason we are at risk of becoming deficient in thiamin quicker than some other vitamins has to do with...

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