Vitamin B1

• Energy metabolism
• Neurological function
• Cardiovascular health
• Glucose metabolism

• Cognitive function
• Mood regulation
• Immune support
• Antioxidant protection
• Digestive health
• Muscle function

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as an essential cofactor in energy metabolism, particularly carbohydrate processing. Its active form, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), enables critical enzymatic reactions in cellular energy production, nervous system function, and carbohydrate metabolism. Thiamine’s mechanisms extend beyond its classical role as a cofactor to include antioxidant properties, membrane stabilization, and gene expression regulation.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) dosing spans a wide range, from the minimal amounts needed to prevent deficiency to therapeutic doses used for specific health conditions.

While the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is only 1.1-1.2 mg daily for adults, clinical applications often employ much higher doses, ranging from 50-600 mg daily, with excellent safety even at

these elevated levels. Dosing considerations include the specific form of thiamine used, the condition being addressed, individual factors affecting absorption and metabolism, and whether the goal is prevention or treatment.

Thiamine (vitamin B1) bioavailability varies significantly based on the form of supplementation, dosage, individual factors, and concurrent substances. Standard water-soluble forms like thiamine hydrochloride have relatively limited bioavailability, while enhanced forms such as benfotiamine offer superior absorption and tissue distribution. Understanding these differences is crucial for optimizing supplementation strategies, particularly for therapeutic applications.

For general health maintenance, standard thiamine forms (hydrochloride or mononitrate) at doses of 5-25 mg daily are typically sufficient, Take thiamine supplements with meals to enhance absorption, For therapeutic applications, consider enhanced forms based on the target condition: benfotiamine for peripheral neuropathy and vascular concerns, sulbutiamine for cognitive and neurological applications, Those with alcohol use disorder, gastrointestinal disorders, or on certain medications (loop diuretics, etc.) may require higher doses or enhanced forms, For high-dose supplementation (>100 mg/day), consider dividing the daily dose to optimize absorption, Ensure adequate intake of other B vitamins, particularly riboflavin (B2), and magnesium to support thiamine metabolism, Avoid consuming thiamine supplements with tannin-rich beverages (tea, coffee) or foods high in anti-thiamine factors, For suspected severe thiamine deficiency, particularly in the context of alcohol use disorder or malnutrition, seek medical attention for potential parenteral thiamine administration, Monitor response to supplementation through improvement in symptoms and, when available, appropriate laboratory measures, Adjust dosing based on individual response rather than relying solely on standard recommendations

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) has an excellent safety profile with minimal risk of adverse effects even at doses many times higher than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). As a water-soluble vitamin, excess thiamine is readily excreted in urine, making toxicity rare. Standard oral forms have virtually no reported serious adverse effects,

while intravenous administration carries a small risk of anaphylactoid reactions. The safety profile may vary slightly between different forms of thiamine, with enhanced forms like benfotiamine and sulbutiamine having their own specific considerations.

Common Side Effects:

Uncommon Side Effects:

Rare Side Effects:

Form Specific Side Effects:

• [{“effect”:”Anaphylactoid reactions”,”frequency”:”Rare but documented”,”severity”:”Potentially severe”,”risk_factors”:”Previous reactions; rapid administration”,”management”:”Medical supervision; slow administration; emergency preparedness”},{“effect”:”Pain at injection site”,”frequency”:”Common with IM administration”,”severity”:”Mild to moderate”,”management”:”Proper injection technique; rotation of injection sites”}]
• [{“effect”:”Generally similar to standard thiamine”,”frequency”:”Rare”,”notes”:”May have fewer gastrointestinal effects due to different absorption mechanism”}]
• [{“effect”:”Mild stimulant-like effects”,”frequency”:”Uncommon”,”severity”:”Mild”,”management”:”Taking earlier in the day; reducing dose if necessary”},{“effect”:”Potential for dependence with long-term use”,”frequency”:”Very rare”,”severity”:”Mild”,”management”:”Cycling use; avoiding continuous long-term high-dose use”}]

Absolute Contraindications:

Relative Contraindications:

Special Populations:

Significant Interactions:

Minor Interactions:

Theoretical Interactions:

Beneficial Interactions:

Acute Toxicity:

• No established LD50 in humans; extremely high safety margin
• No well-documented cases of acute toxicity from oral thiamine
• Supportive care; discontinuation of supplementation
• None required; elimination through urinary excretion

Chronic Toxicity:

• No established chronic toxicity syndrome from oral thiamine supplementation
• Limited to specific forms (e.g., potential habituation with sulbutiamine)
• No specific monitoring required for standard thiamine supplementation

Upper Limit:

• No Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established by the Institute of Medicine
• No adverse effects have been consistently associated with high thiamine intakes from food or supplements
• Several hundred milligrams daily in clinical studies without significant adverse effects
• While no official UL exists, doses above 100 mg/day are rarely necessary except for specific therapeutic applications

Thiamine Hydrochloride:

• Excellent safety record with minimal adverse effects
• Rare allergic reactions; mild gastrointestinal effects at very high doses
• Intravenous administration carries small risk of anaphylactoid reactions
• No known concerns with long-term use

Thiamine Mononitrate:

• Similar to hydrochloride; excellent safety record
• None beyond those of thiamine hydrochloride
• No known concerns with long-term use

Benfotiamine:

• Good safety profile in clinical studies
• Less extensive safety data than standard thiamine forms
• Limited long-term data but no significant concerns identified in studies up to several years
• Fat-soluble derivative but no evidence of accumulation or fat-soluble vitamin-like toxicity

Sulbutiamine:

• Generally good safety profile but less extensively studied than standard thiamine
• Mild stimulant-like effects; theoretical potential for habituation with long-term use
• Limited long-term data; some concerns about potential for dependence with continuous high-dose use
• Consider cycling use for long-term applications

Allithiamine:

• Limited safety data but no significant concerns identified
• Less extensively studied than other forms
• Insufficient data for definitive assessment

TTFD:

• Thiamine Tetrahydrofurfuryl Disulfide
• Limited safety data but generally well-tolerated in available studies
• Less extensively studied than standard thiamine forms
• Insufficient data for definitive assessment

Parenteral Thiamine:

• Generally safe when properly administered; carries more risks than oral forms
• Risk of anaphylactoid reactions (rare but documented)
• Previous reactions; rapid administration
• Slow administration; medical supervision; emergency preparedness

Renal Impairment:

• Generally safe
• No specific adjustment required for mild to moderate impairment; consider reduced doses in severe impairment
• No special monitoring required
• Reduced clearance of metabolites in severe impairment, but clinical significance unclear

Hepatic Impairment:

• Generally safe
• No specific adjustment required
• No special monitoring required
• Liver is important for thiamine activation; impairment may affect metabolism but does not typically create safety issues

Cardiac Conditions:

• Generally safe; potentially beneficial
• No specific adjustment required
• No special monitoring required
• IV administration should be performed cautiously in patients with severe heart failure

Neurological Conditions:

• Generally safe; potentially beneficial
• No specific adjustment required
• No special monitoring required
• None identified

Diabetes:

• Generally safe; potentially beneficial
• No specific adjustment required
• No special monitoring required
• None identified; may have benefits for glucose metabolism and diabetic complications

Autoimmune Conditions:

• Generally safe
• No specific adjustment required
• No special monitoring required
• Theoretical concern for immune stimulation with very high doses, but no clinical evidence of exacerbation of autoimmune conditions

Prevalence: Extremely rare with oral forms; more common with parenteral administration

Risk Factors:

• Previous reaction to thiamine
• Multiple drug allergies
• Rapid intravenous administration

Manifestations:

• Skin rash
• Pruritus (itching)
• Urticaria (hives)
• Angioedema (in severe cases)
• Anaphylactoid reactions (primarily with IV administration)

Management:

• Discontinuation of thiamine; antihistamines if needed
• Emergency medical treatment; avoidance of thiamine in the future

Cross Reactivity: Limited data; patients with reaction to one thiamine form may potentially react to others

Baseline Assessment:

• Not routinely required
• Consider assessment of thiamine status in alcoholism, malnutrition, or other high-risk conditions

Follow Up Monitoring:

• No specific monitoring required
• Clinical response to therapy; thiamine status assessment in select cases if available

Signs Of Adverse Effects:

• [“Allergic reactions (rash, itching)”,”Unusual symptoms following administration”,”With sulbutiamine: signs of dependence or tolerance with long-term use”]
• For any suspected allergic reaction or significant adverse effect

Acute Overdose:

• No well-documented symptoms of acute oral overdose due to rapid renal clearance
• Supportive care; typically no specific intervention required
• Excellent; no long-term effects expected

Chronic Excessive Intake:

• No well-established syndrome of chronic toxicity from oral thiamine
• Reduction of intake to appropriate levels
• Excellent; no long-term effects expected

Fda:

• Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
• Category A (standard thiamine) – No evidence of risk in human pregnancy
• None for oral forms; caution advised for intravenous administration

Efsa:

• No safety concerns at current intake levels
• No UL established due to lack of evidence for adverse effects

Who:

• Essential nutrient with high safety margin
• No specific safety warnings at normal supplemental doses

Standard thiamine supplementation is very safe for the general population with minimal risk of adverse effects, Start with lower doses and gradually increase when using very high therapeutic doses, Take with food if mild gastrointestinal effects occur, For those with a history of allergic reactions to thiamine, particularly with intravenous administration, use caution with oral forms and consider allergy testing, Intravenous thiamine should only be administered under medical supervision with appropriate monitoring, When using enhanced forms like sulbutiamine for extended periods, consider cycling use to prevent potential habituation, No special monitoring is required for standard thiamine supplementation in most individuals, Thiamine is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at RDA doses; higher therapeutic doses should be used only when benefit outweighs potential risk, Individuals with alcohol use disorder, malnutrition, or on certain medications (loop diuretics) may require higher thiamine doses with no significant safety concerns, Despite the excellent safety profile, it’s prudent to use the lowest effective dose for the intended purpose

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is recognized as an essential nutrient worldwide and enjoys favorable regulatory status in most jurisdictions. As a water-soluble vitamin with an excellent safety profile,

it faces fewer regulatory restrictions than many other supplements.

However , specific regulations vary by country, form of thiamine, intended use, and marketing claims. Enhanced forms like benfotiamine and sulbutiamine may face different regulatory frameworks than standard thiamine hydrochloride or mononitrate.

Enhanced Forms Evaluation: Increasing regulatory attention to novel thiamine derivatives and their claims

Therapeutic Applications: Growing interest in thiamine for conditions beyond deficiency may lead to new regulatory frameworks

Harmonization Efforts: Ongoing efforts to harmonize standards and regulations across jurisdictions

Personalized Nutrition: Emerging regulatory questions around personalized thiamine recommendations

Thiamine (vitamin B1) supplementation offers excellent cost-efficiency for basic forms, with standard thiamine hydrochloride being among the most affordable essential nutrients on a per-dose basis.

However , cost varies significantly between basic and enhanced forms, with specialized derivatives like benfotiamine and sulbutiamine commanding substantial price premiums. Understanding the cost-benefit relationship across different forms, applications, and populations is essential for making informed decisions about thiamine supplementation.

By Form: Very low, Very low, Moderate to high, High, High, Very high

Price Ranges: $0.01-$0.05 per 100 mg, $0.01-$0.05 per 100 mg, $0.15-$0.50 per 100 mg, $0.30-$0.80 per 100 mg, $0.40-$0.90 per 100 mg, $0.50-$1.20 per 100 mg

Market Trends: Prices for basic thiamine forms have remained stable or declined slightly over time, while enhanced forms have maintained higher price points. The price gap between standard and enhanced forms has persisted despite increased market competition, reflecting both higher production costs and perceived premium value of enhanced forms.

For general health maintenance, standard thiamine hydrochloride or a B-complex supplement offers the best value, Calculate cost per mg of active ingredient rather than cost per tablet when comparing products, Enhanced forms like benfotiamine are worth the premium primarily for specific therapeutic applications like diabetic neuropathy, Consider store brands of basic formulations for significant savings, B-complex supplements often offer better value than individual B vitamins when multiple B vitamins are desired, For those with alcohol use disorder, the cost-benefit ratio of thiamine supplementation is extremely favorable, Those on diuretics or with other risk factors for deficiency may benefit from higher doses of standard thiamine at minimal cost, Maximize dietary sources of thiamine through whole grains, legumes, and other thiamine-rich foods, For therapeutic applications, consult healthcare providers to determine optimal form and dosage for your specific condition, When purchasing enhanced forms, research carefully to ensure the product contains the actual form claimed at the stated potency

Thiamine (vitamin B1) has moderate stability compared to other vitamins, being more stable than some (like vitamin C) but less stable than others (like niacin). Its stability is significantly affected by pH, temperature, oxygen, moisture, and certain minerals. Understanding these factors is crucial for proper storage, food preparation, and supplement formulation to ensure optimal potency and effectiveness.

Typical Shelf Life: 2-3 years for most thiamine supplements in solid form when properly stored

Form Specific Considerations: Generally stable in dry form; typical shelf life of 2-3 years, Slightly more stable than hydrochloride in dry products; shelf life of 2-3 years, Relatively stable fat-soluble derivative; typical shelf life of 2-3 years, Shorter shelf life (1-2 years) due to potential hydrolysis in solution

Expiration Date Significance: Indicates manufacturer’s guarantee of potency, safety, and quality; gradual potency loss rather than sudden degradation typically occurs after expiration

Post Expiration Considerations: Thiamine does not become toxic after expiration but may gradually lose potency; storage conditions have greater impact on actual stability than time alone

General Guidelines: Store at room temperature (59-77°F or 15-25°C); avoid high temperatures, Keep in dry place; thiamine is hygroscopic and moisture accelerates degradation, Protect from direct sunlight and strong light; amber containers preferred, Keep in original container with desiccant if provided; ensure tight closure after each use

Form Specific Recommendations: Store in cool, dry place in tightly closed container; avoid bathroom medicine cabinets due to humidity, Some may require refrigeration after opening; check label instructions, Follow specific storage instructions; some require refrigeration

Travel Considerations: For short trips, original containers preferred; for longer travel, consider solid forms in moisture-proof containers; avoid extreme temperatures

Store thiamine supplements in their original containers with any included desiccants, Keep containers tightly closed after each use, Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, Avoid bathroom medicine cabinets due to humidity from showers, Check expiration dates before purchase and use, Discard supplements showing significant physical changes or unusual odors, For travel, consider solid forms in moisture-resistant containers, If transferring to pill organizers, do so in a dry environment and fill only 1-2 weeks at a time, To maximize thiamine in cooking, use minimal water and shorter cooking times, Consider consuming cooking liquids (e.g., in soups or sauces) to recover leached thiamine, Choose whole grains over refined grains to maximize thiamine content, Be aware that sulfite-preserved foods may have reduced thiamine content, When in doubt about a product’s integrity, replacement is the safest option

Synthesis Methods

Natural Sources

Supplement Forms

Delivery Formats

Quality Considerations

Testing Methods

Typical Forms

Absorption Enhanced Forms

Thiamine (vitamin B1) has a rich historical narrative that spans from ancient observations of deficiency diseases to modern therapeutic applications. While the vitamin itself was only isolated in the early 20th century, its deficiency disease beriberi has been documented for thousands of years. The story of thiamine encompasses major public health initiatives, scientific breakthroughs, and evolving understanding of nutrition’s role in health and disease.

Early Observations: While thiamine itself was unknown, symptoms of beriberi (thiamine deficiency) appear in ancient texts from China, Japan, and other Asian countries where polished rice was a dietary staple

Ancient Chinese Medicine: References to a condition resembling beriberi appear in Chinese medical texts as early as 2600 BCE, with treatments including foods now known to be rich in thiamine

Ancient Remedies: Some traditional remedies for beriberi-like conditions included thiamine-rich foods such as rice bran, legumes, and certain herbs, though the connection to a specific nutrient was unknown

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) has been extensively studied for its essential role in energy metabolism and neurological function. The strongest evidence supports its use in treating deficiency states like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and beriberi. Emerging research suggests potential benefits for diabetic neuropathy, heart failure, and various neurological conditions, though evidence quality varies considerably across applications.