VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE) BENEFITS RESEARCH REPORT
Research on the benefits of vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, spans various aspectsof health. Here are some reported benefits supported by research:
1. Energy Metabolism:
Thiamine plays a crucial role in energy metabolism by converting carbohydrates into
energy. Research suggests that adequate thiamine levels support efficient energy
production in cells, which is essential for overall vitality.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1375232/
Conclusion of the above research report:
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is crucial for energy metabolism, with its discovery rooted in early
research on the 'anti-beriberi factor' found in rice polishings. Since its synthesis in 1936,
extensive research has highlighted its vital role in treating beriberi, a historically lethal
condition particularly affecting rice-dependent cultures. This paper underscores thedistinct symptomatology of beriberi compared to experimentally induced thiamine
deficiency in humans, emphasizing its unusual manifestations and potential role inmodern nutrition. The biochemical and pathophysiological aspects of thiamine areexplored, alongside less common conditions linked to its deficiency. Understanding
thiamine's role is essential for advancing knowledge in Complementary AlternativeMedicine. The use of allithiamine and its synthetic derivatives is also discussed. Giventhiamine's critical role in glucose metabolism, excessive consumption of simple
carbohydrates increases the body's need for this vitamin, leading to a condition termed
high-calorie malnutrition. This highlights the importance of adequate thiamine intake inmodern diets to prevent deficiency-related health issues.
2. Nervous System Function:Thiamine is vital for maintaining a healthy nervous system. It supports the production ofneurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals in the brain and nervous system.
Deficiency in thiamine has been linked to neurological disorders like Wernicke-Korsakoff
syndrome and peripheral neuropathy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6930825/
Conclusion of the above research report:
The report underscores the critical role of thiamine (vitamin B1) in energy metabolism
and brain function. Thiamine deficiency, historically linked to beriberi, is still relevant
today due to high carbohydrate consumption in Western diets, leading to neurologicaland cognitive impairments. "High-calorie malnutrition," where diets lack essential
vitamins and minerals, exacerbates this deficiency, causing symptoms from mild
cognitive deficits to severe neurological disorders. The study emphasizes that low-dose
supplementation is often ineffective, highlighting the need for high doses to treat
deficiency. It also connects thiamine deficiency to various neurodegenerative conditions,advocating for increased awareness and its potential therapeutic use in modernnutrition.
3. Heart Health:Some studies indicate that thiamine supplementation may have beneficial effects onheart health. Thiamine deficiency has been associated with cardiovascular problems,and supplementation may help mitigate these risks.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10502219/
Conclusion of the above research report:
The research on thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency and its effects on neurodegeneration
highlights the essential role of thiamine in brain function and energy metabolism.
Thiamine deficiency, which can result from diets high in simple carbohydrates but low inessential nutrients, is associated with significant neurological and cognitiveimpairments.
The study emphasizes that addressing thiamine deficiency is crucial, especially given
the prevalence of high-calorie malnutrition in modern diets. Effective treatment requires
high doses of thiamine, as low-dose supplementation often fails to yield benefits due toaltered enzyme/cofactor interactions. The findings advocate for greater awareness ofthiamine's role in preventing neurodegenerative conditions and underscore the potential
benefits of adequate thiamine intake for maintaining neurological health.
4. Cognitive Function:
Adequate thiamine levels are important for cognitive function and brain health.
Thiamine deficiency has been linked to cognitive impairment and memory problems.
Research suggests that ensuring sufficient thiamine intake may help maintain cognitivefunction, especially in older adults.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4846521/
Conclusion of the above research report:
The research report on thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency emphasizes its critical role inenergy metabolism and brain function. Thiamine deficiency, historically linked toconditions like beriberi, remains pertinent today due to high carbohydrate diets and canlead to significant neurological and cognitive impairments. The study highlights thenecessity for high doses of thiamine to effectively treat deficiencies, as low doses often
fail due to altered enzyme/cofactor interactions. It also connects thiamine deficiency tovarious neurological conditions, advocating for increased awareness and its potential
therapeutic use, particularly in conditions like autism and Parkinson's disease. Thiamine
supplementation has shown promising results in improving cognitive and neurologicalsymptoms in these disorders, suggesting its broader application in modern medicine.

Eye Health:Thiamine has been studied for its potential role in supporting eye health, particularly inpreventing conditions like cataracts. Some research suggests that thiamine
supplementation may help reduce the risk of developing certain eye disorders.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9504679/
Conclusion of the above research report:
Study investigated the effects of oral vitamin B1 and mecobalamin (a form of vitaminB12) on dry eye disease (DED) patients. This randomized double-blind controlled trial
involved 398 eyes from 199 patients, divided into a treatment group (receiving vitamin
B1, mecobalamin, and artificial tears) and a control group (receiving only artificial tears).
Key findings include significant improvements in corneal nerve length, width, reflectivity,
and the number of neuromas in the treatment group, suggesting these vitamins aid in
repairing epithelial cells. Patients receiving the vitamins reported notable relief indryness, pain, photophobia, and blurred vision, with improvements recorded at both 1
and 3 months post-treatment. Enhanced patient satisfaction was also noted due tosymptom reduction. Overall, the study concluded that oral vitamin B1 and mecobalamin
could significantly benefit DED patients by enhancing corneal nerve health and reducing
ocular discomfort.
6. Diabetes Management:
Thiamine may play a role in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, making it
potentially beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Some studies have shown thatthiamine supplementation could improve glucose tolerance and reduce complications
associated with diabetes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7282352/
Conclusion of the above research report:
Study found that people with both type I and type II diabetes have higher levels of bloodsugar, HbA1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar control), triglycerides, and total

cholesterol compared to people without diabetes. Additionally, people with diabetes
have lower levels of HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and vitamin B1 (thiamine) in theirblood. However, because this study only observed these differences, it cannot provethat changes in blood sugar or HbA1c directly cause changes in thiamine levels. To findout if there's a direct cause-and-effect relationship, a different type of study called acohort study would be needed.
7. Mood Regulation:
Thiamine is involved in the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin,
which plays a role in mood regulation. Some research suggests that thiamine
supplementation may have a positive impact on mood disorders, although more studies
are needed to confirm these effects.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10568373/
Conclusion of the above research report:Thiamine (vitamin B1) is crucial for cell metabolism, acting both as a coenzyme inimportant biochemical reactions and in non-enzymatic roles like nerve signaltransmission and cell regulation. A deficiency in thiamine can lead to oxidative stress,
damaging cells and causing various health issues, especially in the nervous andcardiovascular systems. Ensuring sufficient dietary intake of thiamine is vital for all age
groups, particularly the elderly and those with neurodegenerative diseases. Thiamine
supplementation can help prevent deficiencies and support overall health.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is a vital nutrient with numerous
important roles in the body. From energy metabolism to nervous system function andheart health, thiamine plays a crucial part in various physiological processes. Research
indicates that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B1 is essential for overall healthand well-being. However, deficiencies in this vitamin can lead to serious health issues
such as beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Therefore, ensuring sufficientintake of vitamin B1 through a balanced diet or supplementation when necessary is
crucial for supporting optimal health. As always, it's best to consult with a healthcare
professional for personalized advice on nutrition and supplementation.
*The information displayed herein has not been evaluated and/or approved in any formby the Japan Ministry of Health, FDA and/or similar body in Japan or elsewhere.