Water soluble vitamins (vitamin B1)

  Water soluble vitamins (vitamin B1);

Water soluble vitamin include B vitamins (B1 , B2 , B3 , B5 , B6 , B7 , B9 and  B12  ) and vitamin C different from fat-soluble vitamins in the following aspects.

1)They are absorb directly in the blood stream since they do not any protein carrier.

2)They circular freely in the water filled part of the body and absorb in the lacteals(lymph vessels of small intestine). Their excessive amount is detected by kidneys and removed through urine.

3)They are required in frequent(1-3days) doses

a)Vitamin B1;

Vitamin B1 or (thiamine), is the part of the coenzyme 'thiamine pyrophosphate' (TPP) and act in the pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction where pyruvate is converted into acetyl CoA.

The RDA vitamin B1 for men is 1.2 mg/day and for women is 1.1 mg/day.

Clinical manifestation of vitamin B1  

deficiency: The primary reason of thiamine deficiency is thiamine deficient diet while the secondary reason is alcohol consumption. Through alcohol contributes to energy but provide nutrition and often disturbs nutrient absorption.

Moreover, alcohol consumption hinder thiamine absorption and increases its excretion in the urine, aggravating the risk of thiamine deficiency.

 Prolonged thiamine deficiency result in a diseases known as Beri Beri, which is categorized in to 'wet' (referring to edema)or 'dry, (with muscle wasting but excluding edema).

Another type of Beri Beri is called infantile Beri Beri, which occurs between the age of two to sixth month and is attributed of breast feeding mother low intake of thiamine. Inadequate intake of thiamine is the main reason of neurological disorder called Wernicke -Korsakoff syndrome.

The acute phase of the syndrome is called Wernicke encephalopathy(damage to thalamus and hypothalamus) while the chronic phase is termed as Korsakoff' s psychosis (damage to the brain region where memory is formed) .

Other symptoms of thiamine deficiency include:

Cardiovascular: Cardiomegaly(enlarged heart), tachycardia (increase heart rate more than 100 time per minute), chest pain , wide pulse pressure , hypotension and cardiac failure.

Muscular: Muscles tenderness and hyporeflexia (below normal response of muscle to stimuli).

Neurological: Mental confusion (unable to think clearly), poor short-term memory , muscle atrophy ,absent knee and ankle jerk , foot drop (late stage), irritability and apathy (lack of interest life activities).

Gastroenterological: Anorexia (eating disorder), vomiting, constipation, abdominal discomfort and dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing).

Infantile beriberi: Congestive heart failure, lacking tendon reflex and aphonia (inability to speak due to disease of or damage to the larynx or mouth).

Source of vitamin B1:

Sources of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):

Whole Grains: Whole grain cereals and bread are rich sources of thiamine. Brown rice also provides a good amount.

Legumes: Lentils, black beans, and soybeans are all good sources of thiamine.

Meat and Fish: Pork, liver, and fish like salmon and tuna have high amounts of thiamine.

Nuts and Seeds: Sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, and macadamia nuts are good vegetarian sources of thiamine.

Fruits and Vegetables: Asparagus, green peas, Brussels sprouts, and spinach have thiamine. Oranges and cantaloupes are also a good source.

Dairy Products: Milk and cheese contain thiamine.

Benefits of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):

Energy Production: 

It helps in converting food into energy. Thiamine is needed for the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Nervous System Function: 

Thiamine is required for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the brain. It plays a critical role in the production of neurotransmitters.

Cardiovascular Function: 

Thiamine assists in the production of the molecule ATP, which is required for every cellular function of the body, including the functions of the heart.

Antioxidant: 

Some research suggests that thiamine may work as an antioxidant, protecting the body from the deleterious effects of aging, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Growth and Development: 

Thiamine is essential for the growth and development of the cells in the body. This makes it especially important during periods of rapid growth, such as during infancy and pregnancy.

Remember to maintain a balanced diet to meet your Vitamin B1 needs. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to a disease called beriberi, which can cause symptoms like weight loss, emotional disturbances, impaired sensory perception, weakness and pain in the limbs, and periods of irregular heart rate. Severe deficiency can also cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which affects brain function and can lead to psychosis and memory impairments. If you are concerned about your nutrient intake, you should consult with a healthcare professional or a dietitian.

1. Which vitamin are water soluble?
2. Are all B vitamin water soluble?
3. What is good source of water soluble vitamin?
4. What does vitamin B1 do to the body?
5. What are symptoms of vitamin B1?
6. How can i get vitamin B1?