Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
What does vitamin B1 do?
In human body thiamine connects two molecules of phosphoric acid and converts into Thiamine pyrophosphate. Thiamine pyrophosphate is one of the most important parts of the carbonate energy exchange. Need of energy is what every living creature has. No biological function can be provided without the constant energy exchange.
Dependent on vitamin B1 enzymes which contain tiamindifosfat in its active catalytic center, "work" in the intermediate stages of energy metabolism. They provide the energy utilization and oxidation of the acetic and pyruvic acids formed during the oxidative cleavage of carbohydrates, especially glucose, and fat. Insufficient energy supply is one of the reasons of the heart muscle weakness with the deficiency of vitamin B1, so vividly manifested among the "beri-beri" patients.
With the active participation of vitamin B1 acetylcholine is synthesized - a substance that plays a crucial role in the transmission of nerve impulses. That is why in the picture of beriberi the leading place have the symptoms which indicate of impaired functions of the nervous system. Such symptoms as mood changes, skin sensitivity, sleep disorders, memory, paralysis, convulsions. Other consequences of B1 avitaminosis are heavy heart disorders, digestive, general exhaustion (cachexia).
Where can it be found?
The main source of vitamin B1 is bread made from wheat flour. But in the white bread made from white flour, that is fine grinding, there are 5-10 times less thiamine there. As in the case of rice, it is removed during cooking with the bran. Legumes are relatively rich with thiamine: peas, beans, lentils, soybeans and buckwheat and oat grouts. In the semolina, pasta and noodles it is almost absent. Among meat products the greatest amount of vitamin B1 can be found in lean pork, liver and kidneys. Beef, fish, eggs and milk lack thiamin.
How much is necessary?
Human body must get 1,2-2,1 mg of vitamin B1 every day. Demand for it increases with the frequent use of alcohol, also during pregnancy and lactation, and in cases of taking antibiotics.
Lack and excess
Small lack of vitamin B1 in the diet increases the craving for sweet foods and often causes loss of appetite. More serious lack can lead to disease, which is called Beri-Beri (it causes fatigue, weight loss and abdominal distention). Vitamin B1 is not toxic. A considerable overdose may cause allergic reactions and low blood pressure.
