What is thiamin and what does it do for you?
The body uses nutrients to generate energy, breaking down the food we eat into usable compounds. One such compound is thiamin. The recommended daily value for thiamin is 1.2 mg. for men and 1.1 mg. for women. Most people consume an adequate amount of thiamin from their daily meals, but there are a variety of ways to supplement your thiamin intake if desired.
But first, what is thiamin and what does it do? Thiamin, or vitamin B-1, helps the body generate energy by transforming carbohydrates into ATP, the molecule responsible for distributing energy throughout the cells. Carbohydrates are a primary provider of energy to the brain and nervous system, making thiamin essential to the process of cell growth. Furthermore, it plays an important role in cardiovascular health, as well as proper liver function.
Where can you find it?
Thiamin is present in a variety of foods, including yeast, legumes, pork, brown rice, and fortified foods such as cereals. Products including white rice or flour may also be enriched with thiamin. If you need more energy, maintaining a thiamin-rich diet can help. Be mindful when cooking, however, because boiling and other preparation methods using water reduces the levels of thiamin in foods due to the vitamin’s water-solubility.
For anyone having trouble incorporating thiamin into their diet, there is a liquid supplement with thiamin that you can take daily. Thiamin is also available in capsules or through intravenous treatments for people with prolonged thiamin deficiencies.
Those with HIV/AIDS, chronic alcoholism, or who have had bariatric surgery are at an especially high risk of developing a thiamin deficiency. If you are displaying symptoms such as short-term memory loss, muscle weakness, and fatigue, consult your doctor to determine whether thiamin supplements are the right treatment for you.
More thiamin can help to increase energy
Thiamin is a natural way to increase energy and cognitive health with little or no known side effects. It can also be used to treat digestive problems, autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, and certain brain disorders. Additionally, thiamin may help people with vision problems, heart disease, kidney disease, and stress. However, these benefits have not all been empirically confirmed.
Whether you have a vitamin deficiency or just want more energy throughout the day, thiamin is a valuable element of any well balanced diet. Making an effort to incorporate thiamin-rich foods into your meals gives your body the boost of energy it needs for a productive and successful day. If you’re still concerned about your thiamin intake, consider a liquid supplement with thiamin that you can take daily or thiamin capsule.
