Thiamin is also essential to proper heart and other muscle function. It is also essential for a healthy nervous system. The dietary sources for thiamin are vast and varied. It is present in all unrefined foods. Excellent sources of dietary thiamin are pork, most meats, liver and kidneys.
Fish is also a prime source, as well as beans and eggs.
Almost all vegetables contain thiamin as do pasta and brown rice. Additionally whole grain and enriched cereal and bread products are a superior source of thiamin in the diet. Even though it is so important to proper functioning of the human organism, thiamin deficiency does occur. Severe thiamin deficiency often occurs in individuals who have depression. Symptoms of deficiency may include fatigue, nausea, confusion, abdominal pain, headache beriberi.