Thiamine | Thiamin
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is part of the B complex—a group of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cellular metabolism and energy production. It was the first of the B complex vitamins to be isolated, which is why it’s called B1. Thiamine is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system, because of its essential role in preventing thiamine deficiency disorders. The body concentrates thiamine in metabolically active tissues, including skeletal muscle, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. But the body only stores a small amount of thiamine (about 20-30 mg), so it needs to be consumed consistently in the diet. Thiamine is involved in many cellular processes. It is essential for the metabolism of sugars, proteins, and fats, and is instrumental in several important processes needed to make cellular energy.
Thiamine is included in formulas which include the B-complex of vitamins, since these vitamins have interrelated relationships in cellular energy production.
Thiamine is additive with benfotiamine—both have vitamin B1 activity. But, because of FDA labeling regulations, only thiamine can be listed on labels as having a daily value.
Thiamine sourcing is focused on identifying and purchasing from a reputable supplier and ensuring the Thiamine HCl is NON-GMO, gluten-free and vegan.
Depending on the goal of a formulation, the dose of thiamine used can vary. If we are using it in combination with benfotiamine—a nutrient with vitamin B1 activity—we opt for a much lower amount of thiamine. In general, benfotiamine has increased vitamin B1 activity in peripheral tissues like the brain, heart, liver, and muscles, but wouldn’t be expected to have as much activity in the stomach or intestines. Combining a small amount of thiamine HCL to benfotiamine captures the increased bioavailability in peripheral tissues that benfotiamine offers, while also getting the stomach/intestine vitamin B1 support from the thiamine HCL.
Energy metabolism
Cofactor in the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex
Cofactor in the pentose phosphate pathway
Antioxidant defenses
Brain function
Other mechanisms
REFERENCES
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