Vitamin B1 in your Health

Vitamin B1 also known as thiamine, helps convert blood sugar into energy to fuel the body.It also involved in releasing energy from carbohydrates and in the development of accetylcholine, a nerve conduction chemical. It ensures the health of the mucous membranes, and make sure that the nervous system and cardiovascular and muscular functions are working well. It also stabilizes the appetite and promotes growth along with good muscle tone.  If your expecting a child, deficiency in vitamin B can lead to abnormal growth and development in children.

Symptoms of deficiency in thiamine Fatigue Irritability Depression Poor Concentration Decreased appetite Nausea Abdominal Discomfort

Symptoms of Moderate deficiency Poor weight gain or weight loss Vomiting Tingling of the fingers and toes Weakness Muscle cramping Diarrhea Hoarseness of speech Eye drooping Decreased reflexes

Symptoms of Severe deficiency Seizures Heart failure Heart arrhythmia Loss of coordination Increased pressure around the brain Comma Death

There are 2 thiamine deficiency diseases

1. Wet Beriberi causes heart failure and wet lungs
2. Dry Beriberi usually affects the nervous system.

Beriberi is a term derived from the word for weakness in Sinhalese, a language spoken in Sri Lanka.

Where can we found vitamin B1?
Vitamin B1 can be found in both plants and animals. Most food contains small amount of thiamine. But large amount can be found in meat and meat organs.

• Meat
• Beef Kidney
• Liver
• Vegetables
• Legumes
• Cereals
• Fortified Foods
• Brown Rice
• Whole Grains
• Nuts
• Berries