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Vitamin B1

WATER-SOLUBLE

Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP)

Thiamine (vitamin B1) was the first vitamin to be chemically identified and plays a critical role as the coenzyme thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) in energy metabolism. TPP is an essential cofactor for three key enzymes in glucose metabolism: pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and transketolase. Thiamine also has a physiologically important role in nerve impulse transmission and maintenance of myelin sheaths. The body stores only small amounts (2-4 weeks), making regular dietary intake essential.

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Key Functions

  • Energy metabolism (pyruvate dehydrogenase)
  • Nerve conduction and myelin maintenance
  • Glucose metabolism
  • Pentose phosphate pathway (generates ribose)

Best Food Sources

Pork and organ meatsWhole grains and legumesFish and seafoodFortified cerealsNuts and seeds

Deficiency: Beriberi

  • Peripheral neuropathy (dry beriberi)
  • Heart failure and edema (wet beriberi)
  • Muscle wasting and weakness
  • Confusion and memory loss
  • Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in alcoholics

High-Risk Groups

  • Chronic alcoholics
  • Those on polished rice diets
  • Bariatric surgery patients
  • People with hyperemesis gravidarum

Reviewed for accuracy: Content is based on guidelines from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and peer-reviewed medical literature.

Recommended Daily Amount

Adult Men

1.2 mg

Adult Women

1.1 mg

Did You Know?

The term "beriberi" comes from the Sinhalese word meaning "I cannot, I cannot" — a reference to the severe weakness it causes.

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