The discovery of vitamin B1 is linked to the search for a cure to the nervous system disorder beriberi. A number of scientists in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century noticed that certain foods could cure and prevent beriberi. However, it was not until 1935 that the substance in these foods was isolated and named thiamine (aka vitamin B1) by Robert Williams. Thiamine performs a number of important functions in the body many of which you are probably unaware of. That’s why in this article I am going to outline five things you may not know about this important vitamin.

1) IT CAN BE FOUND IN A VARIETY FOODS:- Many of the foods you eat on a daily basis probably contain vitamin B1 even if you do not realise it. Enriched wholemeal products such as bread, cereal and pasta are all good sources of this vitamin. Brown rice, green vegetables and pork also contain good levels of thiamine so if you are not currently eating any of the foods listed perhaps now is the time to start.

2) A DEFICIENCY CAN CAUSE SERIOUS NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS:- Not getting enough vitamin B1 can ultimately lead to a condition called beriberi. There are two forms of this disease; dry beriberi (which can cause pain, brain damage and muscle weakness) and wet beriberi (which can increase the size of your heart and increase your heart rate). Admittedly becoming deficient in this vitamin is very rare in developed Western countries but it can happen as a result of excessive alcohol consumption or if your diet is rich in highly processed junk foods.

3) IT IS A WATER SOLUBLE VITAMIN:- This vitamin is water soluble which (as the name suggests) means that it dissolves in water. Water soluble vitamins cannot be stored by the body so you have to make sure you get your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin B1 each day which is currently 1mg for men and 0.8mg for women.. They are also quite delicate so you have to make sure that you take care when cooking, preparing and storing foods containing thiamine to ensure that it is preserved.

4) IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR ENERGY:- The main role of vitamin B1 in the body is to act as a catalyst in the reaction that breaks down blood sugar into an energy source that your cells can use. Without thiamine your body cannot convert carbohydrates into energy properly. Therefore, if you feel that your energy levels are low try getting some of this vitamin into your diet. It could be just what you need to get that little energy boost.

5) IT HELPS IN OTHER AREAS TOO:- Although the main function of thiamine is to help your body break down food into a useful energy source but it has other benefits too. Most notably it helps keep your nervous system healthy and protects against conditions such as beriberi. It also promotes increased mental function and is thought to be key for good memory. Therefore, if you feel that your brain is not performing like it used to then take a look at your vitamin B1 intake. It could be the reason why.

I hope this article has given you a good overview of vitamin B1. Whilst the most well known function of thiamine and the other B-complex vitamins is that it helps your body get the energy it needs from the food you eat there is plenty more to it than that. It protects your nervous system, helps you keep your brain healthy and can be sourced from a variety of foods.