Thiamine (Vitamin B-1)

VITAMIN B1 - Thiamine A protein builder that
helps give hair shine, volume and good texture.
Enhances circulation to bring nutrients to the scalp
and nails

Thiamine, or vitamin B1, a colorless, crystalline substance, acts as a catalyst in carbohydrate metabolism, enabling pyruvic acid to be absorbed and carbohydrates to release their energy, and is needed for normal muscle tone of vital internal organs. Thiamin increases circulation and assist in the production of hydrochloric acid, blood formation and carbohydrate metabolism. Thiamine also plays a role in the synthesis of nerve-regulating substances. The first recognized vitamin deficiency disease was beriberi, a condition that is manifested by numerous neurological and metabolic disorders. Sufficient thiamine in the diet is a sure cure for beriberi, a fact that was established over a long period of time through crude dietary experiments by the Chinese, Japanese, and Dutch. Biochemically, thiamine forms a coenzyme after phosphorylation by an ATP-dependent pyrophosphorylase. Thiamine pyrophosphate contains a substituted pyrimidine nitrogen heterocyclic ring and a thiazole nitrogen-sulfur heterocycle. The thiazole moiety is responsible for the coenzyme's activity in pyruvate metabolism where it acts to perform a nonoxidative decarboxylation. Clinically, thiamine helps to maintain normal function of the nervous system, muscles, and heart, and is necessary for normal growth and development. Common sources of thiamine are kidney, liver, brewer's yeast, flour, beans, pork, salmon, soybeans, and wheat germ. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency are loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and mental problems. Severe deficiency leads to beriberi, pain in the arms and legs, heart enlargement and fluid accumulation.

Recommended Dietary Allowances: Men = 1.5 mg; Women = 1.1 mg

IMPORTANCE:

• Plays a key role in the body's metabolic cycle for generating energy
• aids in the digestion of carbohydrates
• essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles & heart
• stabilizes the appetite
• promotes growth & good muscle tone

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

• May lead to the loss of appetite
• weakness & feeling tired
• paralysis & nervous irritability
• insomnia
• loss of weight
• vague aches & pains
• mental depression & constipation
• heart & gastrointestinal problems