Thiamine is also known as vitamin B1.
Thiamine is the name given to vitamin B1 , present in beef and pork, whole grains, eggs and legumes, among other foods. It is a molecule that is soluble in water but not in alcohol.
Thiamine has two cyclic organic structures, both interconnected. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing this molecule , which must be part of the diet of humans and most vertebrate animals since its absence generates various health disorders.
Importance of thiamine
To grow healthily, people need to ingest thiamine since this vitamin participates in the metabolism of proteins, nucleic acids, fats and carbohydrates , generating energy and contributing to the functioning of the digestive system and nervous system.
Taking into account the importance of thiamine in the human body, it is established that it is essential that it be provided to it and a good way to do so is through food. Therefore, it is recommended that the person include products such as wheat germ, walnuts, beef liver, peas and powdered milk in their diet.
In the same way, it should not be overlooked that potatoes, cabbages, oranges, asparagus, pine nuts, pistachios and white rice also contribute to high levels of thiamine.
Various food products provide thiamine to the body.
Its lack
It is important to note that the body does not usually have a significant reservoir of thiamine: most of the thiamine is concentrated in the skeletal muscles .
If a human being does not ingest thiamine, they can lose weight, suffer heart problems , and experience concentration and memory problems , among other inconveniences. It should be noted that thiamine has inhibitors that prevent the body from absorbing it correctly: alcoholic beverages (due to ethanol ) and infusions such as tea and coffee (due to thiaminase ) are thiamine inhibitors.
The symptoms that show that a person has a problem with thiamine are a marked feeling of weakness , constant fatigue , neurological damage of different types and even psychosis .
It should be noted that pregnant women and infants are the groups that need the highest daily dose of thiamine. According to experts, it should be 1.4 milligrams per day .
Other benefits of thiamine
It is considered that providing the body with thiamine is a good way that, in addition to all the above, it can help deal with another series of health-related problems or difficulties. Specifically, it is established that it is useful in this way:
- It helps reduce the pain experienced by women who have a heavy period.
- It serves to reduce the chances of suffering various setbacks in relation to vision, such as cataracts.
- Prevents kidney diseases.