Vitamin B1, thiamine: properties and benefits

All B vitamins are the basis for the harmonious functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems. In addition, without the participation of these organic compounds, more than one physiological and biochemical process that ensures the vital activity of the human body cannot proceed normally.

This group of vitamins takes an active part in the formation of bone and muscle tissue and regulates general metabolism. It is impossible to maintain health for many years and maintain good health without regular, sufficient intake of thiamine into the body. We also recommend ordering vitamin C to maintain your health at the proper level.

Characteristics of thiamine

Today, many types of B vitamins have been discovered (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, para-aminobenzoic acid, biotin, choline, inositol), which take an active part in vital functions: metabolism, hematopoiesis, protein synthesis, fats, antibodies, hemoglobin, homocysteine metabolism, fetal development, regulation of nervous system activity. Their regular use can slow down the aging process.

The list of B vitamins is headed by thiamine, which is not able to accumulate in the body (see p. Reasons for increased need for thiamine).

As a result, to replenish the daily requirement and prevent diseases associated with deficiency of the substance, it is important to ensure its daily intake through food, supplements or medications.

Properties of the compound, why it is useful

Characteristics of Thiamine:

It is a colorless crystalline substance with a pronounced yeast odor. The unit of measurement is milligrams.
Dissolves in water. In fats and alcohol - no.
Easy to digest. When ingested, more than 60% of thiamine is absorbed into the blood by diffusion in the small intestine. The remaining part is broken down by the enzyme thiaminase, which is found in raw fish meat and is also produced by human intestinal bacteria. Up to 5 milligrams of vitamin B1 can be absorbed per day. In some cases, this figure reaches 15, however, this is a rare exception to the rule and depends on the characteristics of the body. The state of the gastrointestinal tract has a direct effect on the degree of absorption of thiamine. The presence of diseases of the digestive system (ulcers, colitis, gastritis, pancreatitis) reduces the absorption of the vitamin by 3 or more times.
The human and animal body produces an insufficient amount of vitamin B1 every day to meet the daily requirement for the substance. As a result, it must be regularly supplemented by introducing thiamine-rich foods, vitamins or dietary supplements into the diet.
Cocarboxylase (thiamine diphosphate) is a coenzyme of vitamin B1. The mechanism of its formation is as follows: initially, a thiamine molecule enters the blood, then it is sent to the largest digestive gland - the liver, where it combines with phosphoric acid residues and, with the assistance of magnesium, is converted into thiamine diphosphate. As part of the coenzyme, the particle is transported to tissues and organs, participating in biochemical processes.
Resistant to acidic environments (when heat treated up to 140 degrees). In alkaline or neutral solutions, thiamine is destroyed at 120 degrees and above. As a result, adding soda and ammonium carbonate to baked goods promotes the rapid release and loss of vitamin B1.
60% of thiamine is found in muscles. 40% is found in the adrenal glands, brain, liver, heart, kidneys.
Freezing food by 50%, and sometimes completely, deprives it of the beneficial compound.
When adding salt to peas and beans during cooking, the loss of thiamine is 75%. To maximize the preservation of the vitamin, the dish must be seasoned after cooking.
A lack of thiamine leads to vitamin deficiency and the development of beriberi disease.
Vitamin B1 becomes biologically inactive when exposed to sunlight.
Excess thiamine is non-toxic to a certain extent. When vitamin B1 is consumed in large quantities (over 10 milligrams/day), after performing its beneficial functions, the coenzyme molecule disintegrates in the liver cells and, like the excess substance, is excreted in the urine.

Conditions for the absorption of natural thiamine

Above were tables with foods that contain the most vitamin B1. It would seem that it is enough to eat a lot of legumes, nuts and cereals (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal), and there is no threat of thiamine deficiency. But not everything is so simple; there are important nuances that must be taken into account.

Vitamin B1 is not only quickly washed out of the body. The substance is very unstable, so it is easily destroyed by strong heat treatment. This must be taken into account so as not to develop vitamin deficiency. There are a total of 5 reasons why B1 collapses.

Cooking for too long

The longer porridge is cooked or meat is fried, the less nutrients they contain. Therefore, you have to choose - stew or cook the dish until the food is especially tender, or preserve the maximum vitamins. This does not mean that you need to eat undercooked porridge or undercooked meat; such dishes will harm the gastrointestinal tract. But as soon as the product is cooked, it must be removed from the stove.

Long-term storage in the freezer

Conscientious manufacturers use the blast freezing method, which allows you to preserve the maximum of nutrients. But even with such freezing, the lion's share of vitamins is simply destroyed either during freezing or during subsequent heat treatment. If foods containing thiamine (Brussels sprouts, spinach, legumes and other fruits or vegetables) have been in the freezer for more than a year, only 10% of the original amount of vitamin substances remains in them.

Salting food during cooking

When salt is added, an environment is formed that destroys the vitamin. To preserve the beneficial component, you need to add salt immediately before eating.

Long interaction with oxygen

The rule is simple: chop vegetables, fruits or other foods that contain thiamine and immediately add them to the pot or pan. Or eaten raw. The longer the cut product is left in the open air, the faster it will lose vitamins.

Prolonged soaking or marinating

If for the special taste of a dish it is necessary to marinate an ingredient, you should no longer expect a high content of vitamins in it. Therefore, you will need to additionally eat fresh product with B1. For example, it is enough to add a salad of fresh vegetables to a marinated and fried steak.

There is only one conclusion: the diet should contain as many foods as possible that do not need to be heat treated. Interestingly, raw fish or meat are not included here. On the contrary, they contain an enzyme that destroys thiamine.

And if you want the substance to be absorbed faster, you can drink a couple of cups of regular tea or coffee.

The role of vitamin B1

Let's consider what useful functions thiamine performs in the human body.

Provides carbohydrate metabolism in the brain, tissues, and liver. The vitamin coenzyme fights the so-called “fatigue toxins” - lactic and pyruvic acids. Their excess leads to lack of energy, overwork, and lack of vitality. The negative effects of carbohydrate metabolism products are neutralized by cocarboxylase, converting them into glucose, which nourishes brain cells. Considering the above, thiamine can be called the vitamin of “cheerfulness”, “optimism”, since it improves mood, relieves depression, calms nerves, and restores appetite.
Takes part in the production of unsaturated fatty acids, the main role of which is to protect the gallbladder and liver from the formation of stones. Lack of vitamin B1 leads to disruption of amino acid metabolism.
Reduces the inflammatory reaction of the skin, has a positive effect on the condition of the mucous membranes. Thanks to these properties, thiamine is effectively used in the treatment of neurodermatitis, herpes zoster, wounds, burns, psoriasis, and eczema.
Participates in hematopoiesis and is needed for hair growth.
During cell division, it regulates the transfer of genetic material by copying it.
Strengthens the immune system, improves thought processes, the functioning of the digestive organs, heart, thyroid gland, liver, secretory, and motor functions of the stomach.
Has an analgesic effect.
Reduces the harmful effects of tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Therefore, to eliminate the consequences of a drunken evening or chronic alcoholism, vitamin B1 is an indispensable component of complex treatment and recovery.
Slows down the aging process.
It improves the condition of the neuromuscular system and the nervous system as a whole, since it prevents the premature breakdown of the vitamin-like substance - choline. It, in turn, reduces the level of bad cholesterol.
Regulates the action of aminobutyric acid, which is responsible for the proper functioning of the brain, and serotonin, which gives a good mood.

Thiamine is widely used in medicine as a preventive and therapeutic agent.

Indications for use of vitamin B1:

disruption of the endocrine system (thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, obesity);
liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis);
malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract (ulcer, chronic enteritis, gastritis, pancreatitis, postoperative intervention);
skin diseases (pyoderma, psoriasis, eczema);
dysfunction of the nervous system (peripheral paralysis, depression, neuritis, polyneuritis, Alzheimer's disease);
dorsopathy;
heart defects (circulatory failure, myocarditis, endarteritis);
brain dysfunction;
improper kidney function.

Manifestations of hypovitaminosis

Insufficient intake of thiamine into the body through food leads to the development of negative symptoms that affect the general condition of a person. The following clinical manifestations indicate a chronic lack of vitamin B1:

Depressive states, sleep disturbances, deterioration of attention and perception.
Digestive disorders, chronic constipation, increased appetite, nausea, weight loss.
Loss of coordination of movement, muscle weakness.
Shortness of breath with minimal physical activity, unmotivated fatigue.
Disturbances in the thermoregulation process.
Reduced pain threshold.

Signs and causes of vitamin deficiency in the body

The daily intake of thiamine for a child is 0.5 – 1.7 milligrams, for women – 1.3 – 2.2, for men – 1.6 – 2.5.

During pregnancy, for the full formation of the fetus, the need for vitamin B1 increases and reaches 2.5 milligrams per day. The lack of a beneficial compound in the body carries a potential threat of improper organ development and the appearance of abnormalities in the functioning of the central nervous system of the unborn baby. A woman experiences thiamine deficiency especially painfully in the third trimester, when severe pain occurs in the hips and lower back due to pressure from the uterus on the nerve plexuses. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the pregnant woman systematically compensates for the deficiency of the vitamin and consumes foods rich in it every day.

Definition of hypovitaminosis B1

Primary symptoms:

numbness of hands, feet;
deterioration in the functioning of nervous tissue;
increased irritability, tearfulness, anxiety;
chilliness at any ambient temperature;
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (observed in patients suffering from alcohol dependence);
memory loss;
skin itching;
increased fatigue;
hand trembling;
insomnia;
headache;
depression;
muscle weakness;
deterioration of coordination;
diarrhea;
increase in liver size;
decreased appetite;
weight loss;
nausea;
gastrointestinal disorders;
burning in the epigastric region;
constipation;
arterial hypotension;
cardiopalmus;
unstable, rapid pulse;
shortness of breath with slight exertion;
heart failure;
tachycardia.

In the complete absence of thiamine, a serious beriberi disease occurs: harmful acids (lactic, pyruvic) accumulate in the body, carbohydrate metabolism is disrupted, and the heart muscle, nervous system, and digestive tract are affected. Severe exhaustion and anorexia sets in.

Due to the fact that the nutrient is not able to accumulate in the body, it is important to constantly replenish its reserves, otherwise vitamin deficiency gradually sets in.

Causes of vitamin B1 deficiency

Regular coffee intake. Daily consumption of a caffeinated drink results in the release of large amounts of hydrochloric acid, which destroys 50% of thiamine in the body.
Reducing the volume of coarse fiber (bran) in plant materials. Products depleted in thiamine - polished rice, white bread, extra oatmeal, bleached grains.
Consumption of refined carbohydrate foods (bakery and confectionery products, pastries, pasta). Regular intake of such products increases thiamine deficiency by 3 times.
Long-term heat treatment of food. If food is cooked at a temperature of 200 degrees for 45 minutes, the loss of active thiamine reaches 50%.
Canning vegetables and fruits. Sterilization of products for 20 minutes leads to the loss of 25% of the vitamin.
Profuse sweating.
Presence of chronic infectious diseases.
Pregnancy. In the last trimester, a woman’s need for nutrients doubles. Therefore, for expectant mothers, the daily dosage of thiamine should be 3 milligrams.
Excessive heating or hypothermia of the body.

Deficiency of thiamine over a long period of time (more than a year) leads to disruption of the metabolism of fatty acids and a decrease in the rate of formation of a cellular energy source. This means that glucose received with food is not able to transform into an ATP molecule, as a result, toxic products of incomplete processing of carbohydrates (pyruvate, lactic acid) accumulate in the blood. These metabolites, penetrating the tissues of the brain and spinal cord, disrupt their proper functioning and provoke the development of neurological diseases. Timely identification and elimination of factors contributing to water-soluble vitamin deficiency in the body will help prevent the risk of disorders.

Daily requirement of vitamin B1 for women, men and children

The daily requirement of vitamin B1 differs depending on the age and gender of a person. The condition of the body matters. For example, during pregnancy and lactation, the need for it increases. The normal indicators are presented in the table.

Categories of people	Daily requirement, mg	IU/IU
0-6 months	0,2	67
7-12 months	0,3	100
1-3 years	0,5	167
4-8 years	0,6	200
9-13 years	0,9	300
Men 14 years and older	1,2-2,5	400-833
Women 14-18 years old	1,0	333
Women 19 years and older	1,1	367
Pregnancy	1,5	500
Lactation	1,7	567
During heavy physical work	2,5-3,0	833-1000
Aged people	1,2-1,4	400-467

When does the need for vitamin B1 increase?

There are conditions and lifestyle features in which the body’s need for vitamin B1 increases. These include:

Smoking, alcohol abuse.
The habit of drinking more than 2 cups of coffee per day. Caffeine leads to the destruction of vitamin B1 molecules.
Abuse of carbohydrate foods: baked goods, pasta, sweets.
Therapy with antibacterial drugs and medications aimed at reducing the acidity of gastric juice.
Bearing the fetus. The need for thiamine is especially high in the last 2 months of gestation.
Lactation. If a child does not receive enough vitamin B1 from milk, the risk of developing cardiac pathologies increases.
Taking contraceptive medications.
Lack of fresh, uncooked foods in the diet. Heat and salt destroy vitamin B found in vegetables, grains and meat.
Conditions that reduce immunity: emotional stress, diseases of the digestive system, diabetes, disorders of the thyroid gland, infections, previous surgery, burns, injuries.
Engaging in heavy physical labor.
HIV. There is evidence that 25% of AIDS patients have a deficiency of vitamin B1, which leads to weight loss and neurological diseases.
Chronic fatigue syndrome with its characteristic symptoms: sleep problems, loss of energy, increased fatigue, depression.
Dieting.
Growth and development of the body. Children who consume a lot of baked goods and sweets are in dire need of vitamin B1.
Aged people. The older a person is, the worse his body absorbs any substances.
Living in hot climates and cold regions. Such boundary conditions lead to the fact that the need for vitamin B1 increases by 50%.
Study hard or actively build a career. According to statistics, a lack of vitamin B1 is observed in 40% of young people.
Work in hazardous industries involving toxic substances (arsenic, mercury, etc.).

Reasons for increased need for thiamine

The daily requirement for vitamin B1 increases in the following cases:

in production upon contact with tetraethyl lead, carbon disulfide, arsenic, mercury, carbon disulfide;
when smoking, frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages;
treatment with antibiotics;
during intense physical activity (in sports, in particular in bodybuilding);
burns;
neuropsychic stress;
diabetes mellitus;
during the period of using contraceptives;
breastfeeding;
when drinking 2 or more cups of drinks with a high caffeine content (strong tea, coffee) daily;
in children and adolescents during a period of intensive development;
for diseases of the digestive tract;
during stress, illness;
with a high carbohydrate content in a person’s daily menu;
during pregnancy;
in old age;
in cold climates;
for acute and chronic infections.

Excess thiamine (hypervitaminosis) is an uncharacteristic phenomenon, since the compound does not accumulate in the body, and the excess is quickly broken down by water and excreted in the urine. In case of an overdose of vitamin B1, the benefit of the compound turns into harm: a person may get an allergic reaction to the substance or experience anaphylactic shock.

Best Thiamine Supplements

The best vitamin B1 supplements are made by Solgar. It is one of the world leaders in the production of premium quality nutritional supplements. The brand has also gained a special reputation thanks to the use of advanced equipment and the most careful control of all stages of production.

Solgar produces two types of supplements with different dosages:

Solgar Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 500 mg is an extremely over-dosed supplement. Not suitable for course and prophylactic use. Prescribed only for medical reasons, such as serious intestinal diseases, intoxication and others;
Solgar Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 100 mg - good for quickly correcting a deficiency. Used in sports, to rejuvenate and improve the health of skin and hair, and to treat nervous disorders. Used in short courses of up to 6-8 weeks.

Interaction with other substances in the body

Given the fact that some compounds enhance the beneficial properties of thiamine, while others weaken them, it is worth studying the compatibility of the substance with other drugs. Otherwise, therapy will not bring the desired result.

The relationship of thiamine with nutrients (acceptable)

Magnesium helps vitamin B1 transform into its active form - coenzyme cocarboxylase. In its absence, the body cannot use thiamine to carry out chemical reactions. Therefore, while taking vitamin B1, the daily diet is enriched with foods that contain magnesium. These include: sesame, cocoa, spinach, dried apricots, soybeans, nuts, shrimp, oat and wheat bran.
Thiamine weakens the clinical manifestations of vitamin B5 deficiency in the body. Namely - decreased libido, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, weakness, numbness of the hands.
The combined intake of thiamine with compounds B2 and C leads to a mutual enhancement of the effects of nutrients.
Taking a daily dose of thiamine reduces the toxic effects of cyclophosphamide and vinblastine.
The drug levodopa, which is used to treat Parkinson's disease, triples the concentration of thiamine diphosphate in the blood.
Vitamin C protects B1 from oxidation.

When taking thiamine, it is important to remember that some nutrients reduce the beneficial properties of the compound by up to 10%.

Let's look at them in detail.

Pyridoxine (B6) slows down the transition of vitamin B1 to its biologically active form.
Cobalamin (B12) enhances the allergic reaction to thiamine.
Vitamin B1, in solutions for intramuscular administration, neutralizes substances with pH>7. Therefore, it is advisable to use thiamine and alkaline preparations separately.
Pyrithiamine (pyrimidine bromide) destroys the B1 molecule.
The combined use of thiamine and antibiotics (nystatin, levorin, methicillin, benzylpenicillin, oxacillin, tetracycline or chloramphenicol) leads to the formation of complex compounds and a decrease (or complete absence) in the effectiveness of both substances.
If you use diuretics while taking vitamin B1, the nutrient is rapidly removed from the body, and as a result, hypovitaminosis develops.
Estrogens (affecting the female genital organs), antacids (reducing the acidity of gastric juice), sulfonamides (antimicrobial agents), hormonal contraceptives, alcohol and sulfur-containing drugs reduce the concentration of thiamine in the body.
Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and red chicory interfere with the absorption of B1 in the intestines.
Horsetail and fern leaves, raw fish dishes (capelin, crucian carp, sprat, pollock) contain the enzyme thiaminase, which destroys active vitamin B1. Deep freezing or heat treatment of products at a temperature of 150 degrees will help neutralize the harmful enzyme.
Salt is the “enemy” of vitamin B1. To preserve nutrients, it must be added at the end of cooking.
Tea and wine contain tannins - tannins, which completely neutralize the compound.
Nicotinic acid (NA) destroys the vitamin B1 molecule.

It is especially important to consider the compatibility of thiamine and medications in case of emergency drug administration, as well as in complex therapy of chronic diseases.

Contraindications to the use of the compound: premenopausal/menopausal stage in women, Wernicke encephalopathy.

Vitamin B6

Essentially, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a metabolism “activator.” It is necessary for regulating the absorption of proteins, the exchange of amino acids involved in the synthesis of basic neurotransmitters and hemoglobin. With the participation of pyridoxine, glucose is delivered to cells, including brain cells. Vitamin B6 affects cognitive functions: improves memory, thinking, and also improves mood and helps resist stress.

Contained in many plant foods - bananas, nuts (pistachios, hazelnuts), avocados, beans, soybeans, beef liver. It is important to remember that with prolonged or improper heat treatment of foods, this vitamin is destroyed.

Main symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency

fatigue, depression;
hair loss;
“jams” in the corners of the lips.

A clear lack of vitamin B6 reduces the synthesis of dopamine, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and melatonin. This can lead to psychological and physiological disorders, insomnia, decreased intellectual abilities, irritability, apathy, or, conversely, aggressive behavior.

Causes of Vitamin B6 Deficiency

weakened condition, including after surgery, serious illness;
atherosclerosis;
cardiovascular diseases;
pregnancy;
long-term excess consumption of protein foods;
increased physical activity;
liver diseases, gastritis;
anemia.

If you notice that your hairstyle has become less voluminous, severe dry skin has appeared in the area of the nasolabial fold, above the eyebrows, in general the skin has become drier and rougher, cuts and scratches are slowly healing - do not put off visiting a doctor. The first thing you need to do is donate blood to CITILAB for research 95-10-203 Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which will help determine whether there is a deficiency of vitamin B6 in the body or whether there is enough of it.

Vitamin B1 and alcohol

To correct some mental and nervous disorders, the administration of thiamine is used. Usually the substance is used as part of complex therapy.

Today, the real fever of the 21st century, which has broken into the homes of many families, is alcoholism. Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages in large quantities has a destructive effect on the human body, disrupting the functioning of internal organs and the normal course of important processes. Ethyl-induced intoxication or polyneuritis is the result of a vitamin B1 deficiency in the menu of an alcohol-dependent patient.

Cleansing the body of the breakdown products of strong drinks (acetaldehyde) is a complex process that requires a qualified approach.

In medicine, thiamine is used to relieve alcohol withdrawal. The dose of vitamin administration (50 - 300 milligrams per day) directly depends on the severity of intoxication and the presence of organic damage to the central nervous system. Its use is justified by the fact that when introduced into the body, thiamine transforms pyruvic acid into lactic acid and oxidizes ethyl, providing a pronounced calming, detoxifying effect.

Names of B1 drugs in tablets

Medical products (medicines, vitamins, medicines) are mentioned for informational purposes. We do not recommend using them without a doctor's prescription. We recommend reading: “Why can’t you take medications without a doctor’s prescription?”

Vitamin B1 can be found in the form of medications and dietary supplements. They have different names. You should ask your doctor about which remedy is best to choose. Popular names:

Benfogamma 150 mg. The daily dose is 1 tablet, taken after meals. This drug is often prescribed for neurological diseases.
Thiamine chloride and thiamine bromide . The dose of the active substance can range from 2 to 100 mg. Take the drug 30 minutes before meals. The dose depends on the patient's age.
Phosphotiamine . The active component is thiamine phosphorus ester. The dose is 10 mg. Take the drug after meals.

Only a doctor can prescribe drugs for injection. One of the most effective solutions is cocarboxylase.

Combilipen is a complex drug that, in addition to vitamin B1, contains pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin. Available in the form of a solution for injection. Treatment is carried out only under the supervision of a doctor. The course lasts from 5 to 10 days.

Effect on hair and facial skin

Thiamine has a direct effect on the condition of the hair, but a deficiency of the compound in the body does not immediately affect the structure of the curls. In 95% of cases, the first symptoms of nutrient deficiency are fatigue, irritability, nervousness, tachycardia, muscle weakness, and decreased blood pressure.

Then, due to disruption of metabolic processes, the hair loses its natural shine, elasticity and strength. A daily intake of 1.5 milligrams of thiamine will help compensate for the lack of nutrients. If the physiological need for the vitamin is fully met over the course of six months, the process of gradual fastening of the hair scales will begin, and as a result, the problems that have arisen will be eliminated.

Purpose of thiamine for hair:

strengthening curls;
increased hair growth;
slowing down the early appearance of gray hair;
increasing color brightness;
prevention of loss from the bulb;
saturation with nutrients.

To accelerate the restoration of hair structure, in addition to oral administration, the drug can additionally be used externally, in the form of masks.

Methods of using vitamin in ampoules

Rub undiluted product into the scalp. For this purpose, use solution B1 of one ampoule, which is used to treat clean hair roots. After applying thiamine, you need to wait 30 minutes, then rinse off the vitamin mask thoroughly with warm water. This procedure is carried out once every 7 days for 2 months.
Thiamine based masks. Add 5 drops of liquid vitamin B1 to a portion of a cosmetic product (shampoo, conditioner, balm) and apply to the hair roots, evenly distributing the composition along the length. After 20 minutes, wash off the mixture.

Oral intake of the vitamin in combination with external hair treatment helps eliminate nutrient deficiency in the shortest possible time (within 3 months) and improve the functional condition of the skin and curls.

Before using thiamine, it is important to adhere to the following rules:

Open the ampoule using a special file included in the package.
When breaking off the tip of the ampoule, use a cotton pad.
Do not use a solution that has been opened several hours ago. For the procedures to be effective, the vitamin must be applied immediately after opening the bottle, otherwise its effect is reduced by 50%.
Detangle and comb your hair thoroughly before using the mask.
Apply thiamine with smooth movements to the hair roots. At the same time, it is important to avoid sudden intense actions, which can damage weakened curls and lead to hair loss.
Warm the ampoule in your hand first - the substance is absorbed better when warm.
Before using the substance, make sure that its expiration date has not expired.

If painful or burning sensations occur, the mask should be washed off immediately.

Considering the fact that vitamin B1 maintains the elasticity of the skin, it is advisable to use applications based on it for facial skin.

Problems that thiamine effectively combats:

wrinkles and sagging;
peeling;
excessive dryness of the skin;
inflammatory processes, acne;
abundant pigmentation.

If the smell of a vitamin causes vomiting, the person most likely has an allergy to this substance. To identify a negative reaction of the body to the elbow, you need to apply a drop of pure B1 and leave it for 15 minutes. If there is no redness or burning at the test site, the nutrient can be applied to the face. Thiamine-based applications help normalize metabolic processes in the skin and regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

How to use B1 for face

Liquid vitamin is used in pure form or in combination with other ingredients.
It is important to use the nutrient within 10 minutes after opening the ampoule.
The frequency of use of undiluted thiamine applications is 2 times a week. Course of cosmetic procedures – 15 sessions. Cream enriched with vitamin B1 can be used daily.
Before starting therapy, the facial skin is thoroughly cleansed of cosmetics, washed, then the composition is applied for 15 minutes, avoiding areas near the eyes and lips. After the specified time has passed, the mask is washed off with warm water and the face is dried with a towel.

After course procedures, the skin looks tightened, fresh and elastic.

Recipe for a rejuvenating mask with thiamine:

mix in equal proportions (15 milliliters each) warm linden honey, sour cream with 10 grams of cottage cheese;
add an ampoule of vitamin B1 to the prepared mixture;
apply the composition to cleansed skin of the face and neck;
remove the remaining mask after 20 minutes;
wash your face with warm water.

With regular use of this mask, wrinkles become less noticeable, complexion is evened out and acne is reduced.

Use in medicine

In medical practice, four forms of vitamin B1 are used: benfotiamine, phosphotiamine, thiamine, cocarboxylase (thiamine diphosphate). The crystal lattice (formula) of each substance has its own distinctive characteristics.

Considering the fact that the mentioned forms of the vitamin are used for different purposes, indications for use are usually divided into two main groups - cocarboxylase and thiamine. Benfotiamine and phosphotiamine belong to the latter type of substance.

Before choosing one or another form of a vitamin, it is important to study in advance what the chosen nutrient affects and how to use it correctly.

Cocarboxylase is used as part of complex therapy for the following conditions:

arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, bigeminy, extrasystole);
with alcohol intoxication;
cardiac, renal, respiratory, liver failure;
hyperglycemic coma in diabetes mellitus;
muscle paralysis;
multiple sclerosis;
Leigh syndrome;
metabolic or lactic acidosis in diabetes mellitus;
coronary circulatory insufficiency in coronary heart disease;
for weight loss (in complex programs);
diphtheria, scarlet fever, typhus;
multiple sclerosis;
myocardial infarction;
emplaxia and preeclampsia in pregnant women.

It is advisable to use cocarboxylase in acute conditions when emergency medical care is required. The solution is administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

Indications for the use of thiamine (benfotiamine and phosphotiamine)

anorexia;
diarrhea or atonic constipation;
nervousness or apathy;
neuropathy with low reflexes;
muscle weakness;
hoarseness of voice;
“loose head” symptom;
heart failure;
megaloblastic anemia;
cardiac ischemia;
atherosclerosis;
rheumatic heart disease;
neuritis and polyneuritis;
viral hepatitis;
neuralgia;
dorsopathy;
thyrotoxicosis;
pyoderma (pustular lesion of the skin);
psoriasis, eczema, lichen;
lactation.

Since thiamine is used in 80% of cases to treat chronic diseases, it can be taken in tablets, capsules or dragees. For intravenous administration, the drug is diluted with saline and dripped slowly.

Benfotiamine and phosphotiamine preparations are used only for oral administration. In terms of absorption rate and degree of digestibility, they are superior to thiamine. Therefore, if you need long-term oral administration, it is appropriate to choose vitamin B1, which is called phosphotiamine or benfotiamine.

Sources of vitamin B1

The discovery and production of thiamine in its pure form is associated with the study of the rice seed coat. In 1889, the Dutch pathologist Christian Eijkman noticed that beriberi disease began to progress in chickens that ate purified boiled rice, and when bran from this cereal was introduced into the birds' diet, they were quickly cured. As a result, in the process of detailed study, scientists came to the conclusion that the largest amount of thiamine is contained in the shell of grain crops.

Surprisingly, almost all plants and many microorganisms produce thiamine. Even the human body produces it in large doses, but due to the fact that it is produced in the large intestine, the compound is excreted in large quantities through waste. Unlike people, the microflora of ruminant animals completely absorbs independently created thiamine, and as a result, they do not need to obtain it additionally from food.

Let's look at what foods contain vitamin B1. The amount of thiamine is presented for every 100 grams of ingredient.

Pine nuts – 33.82 mg.
Honeysuckle – 3 mg.
Brown rice – 2.3 mg.
Sunflower seeds – 1.84 mg.
Sprouted wheat grains – 1.7 mg.
Sesame seeds – 1.27 mg.
Dried coriander leaves, pork – 1.25 mg.
Pistachios, nutmeg – 1 mg.
Peas – 0.9 mg.
Peanuts – 0.74 mg.
Pollock caviar – 0.67 mg.
Yeast, Brazil nut – 0.6 mg.
Oatmeal, rice, lentils, beans, soybeans, cashew nuts, rosemary, thyme - 0.5 mg each.
Rye – 0.44 mg.
Millet cereal, fennel seeds – 0.42 mg.
Watermelon, melon – 0.4 mg.
Corn, walnuts, caraway seeds, poultry and animal by-products (stomach, heart, brain, liver, lungs, kidneys) – 0.39 mg each.
Liver, buckwheat, barley, anise - 0.33 mg each.
Hazelnuts, canned green peas – 0.3 mg.
Pasta – 0.25 mg.
Sorrel – 0.2 mg.
Bread – 0.18 mg.
Chicken egg – 0.12 mg.
Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, potatoes – 0.10 mg.
Oranges – 0.09 mg.

When determining what else vitamin B1 is present in, we can identify the following sources of thiamine (content up to 0.1 milligrams/100 grams of product): beets, eggplants, spinach, onions, pumpkin, carrots, field mustard, prunes, rose hips, chamomile, fennel, hops, blueberries, currants, sea buckthorn, milk, raisins, pomelo, algae (spirulina, kelp), plum, strawberries, strawberries, nettle, parsley, mint, sage, beef, fish.

Fruits and dairy products are low in this compound.

The first enemy of thiamine is heat treatment of raw materials. Therefore, it is preferable to eat greens and vegetables fresh.

During the cooking process, the loss of vitamin B1 is:

boiling cereals, vegetables – 20%;
boiling beef, washing rice – 30%;
roasting vegetables – 40%;
beef stew – 75%;
rice cooking - 100%.

Vitamin B12

Vitamins B12 are a whole group of cobalt-containing biologically active substances. One of the main ones in it is cyanocobalamin. It is involved in the production of red blood cells and the process of hematopoiesis. Contained mainly in products of animal origin - meat, milk, eggs. Therefore, deficiency is most often observed in people following a strict vegetarian diet, in pregnant women who require an increased amount of B12, as well as in atrophic gastritis and chronic inflammatory diseases of the small intestine.

Main symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

numbness of the limbs;
muscle weakness;
visual disturbances (double vision, blurred outlines of objects);
pale skin;
memory loss.

With a lack of vitamin B12, there is a risk of developing thrombosis and the functioning of the autonomic nervous system is disrupted.

The cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is insufficient absorption in the intestines. This may be due to a violation of the internal factor in the stomach, the development of pathogenic microflora, which can interfere with absorption in the stomach.

With age, after 40 years, the absorption of vitamin B12 becomes worse, so it is important to promptly identify its deficiency in order to prevent serious illnesses. To do this, go to CITILAB study 33-20-045 - vitamin B.

Be healthy!

Recipes for dishes fortified with thiamine

Considering the body’s constant need for compound B1, hypovitaminosis can be avoided by including in the daily diet foods that contain large quantities of the water-soluble substance.

Let's look at recipes for dishes that can be easily whipped up at home. At the same time, they will not only be tasty and nutritious, but will also help replenish the lack of thiamine in the body.

Smoothie “Firstborn”

Ingredients:

cream with 10% fat content – 100 ml;
honeysuckle – 200g;
honey – 15 ml;
ice (snow) – 50 g;
mint (melissa, peppermint).

Description of preparation:

Wash honeysuckle berries and grind in a blender.
Add honey, mint, cream, ice to the resulting mixture. Whisk all ingredients.
Pour the fortified drink into a glass.
When serving, garnish the smoothie with mint and a slice of lemon.

Warm salad with pine nuts

Ingredients:

olive oil – 60 ml;
lemon zest – 5 g;
lemon juice – 15 ml;
cherry tomatoes – 250 g;
zucchini – 1 piece;
sunflower seeds – 100 g;
pine nuts – 100 g;
soft feta cheese – 200 g;
parsley - a bunch;
mint;
salt;
pepper;
lettuce leaves.

Cooking technology:

Line a baking sheet with greased paper.
Cut the zucchini into circles, add salt and pepper, and place in a baking dish. The thickness of the vegetable should not exceed 5 mm.
Place the baking sheet with zucchini in a preheated oven for 15 minutes, maintaining the oven temperature at 180 degrees.
Chop mint, parsley, cheese, tomatoes.
Prepare the dressing. To do this, combine and beat the following products: salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice.
Remove the browned zucchini from the oven. Place them in a salad bowl, add chopped cherry tomatoes, herbs, cheese, sunflower seeds, pour over the dressing, and stir.
The dish should be served in portions. To do this, place lettuce leaves on a plate, pour warm salad on them, and sprinkle pine nuts on top.

Vegetarian Mediterranean Salad

Ingredients:

cauliflower – 500 g;
bell pepper – 1 piece;
brown rice – 200 g;
pine nuts – 50 g;
almonds – 50 g;
onion – 1 piece;
dried cranberries – 100 g;
sesame seeds – 30 g;
lemon juice – 40 ml;
olive oil – 50 ml;
salt;
pepper.

Cooking sequence:

1. Rinse the rice and boil (do not cool).

2. Cut the onion and sweet pepper into strips.

3. Divide the cabbage into florets, boil, and drain in a colander.

4. Rinse the cranberries, pour boiling water for 2 minutes, dry on a paper napkin.

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5. Combine all salad ingredients, salt and pepper, season with olive oil and lemon juice.

6. Serve the dish so that the rice in the salad is warm.