Nutrient Focus : VITAMIN B1/THIAMINE

VITAMIN B1/THIAMINE

It was said that in the 1920's, scientists believed that only two VITAMINS existed, one was fat-soluble and the other water-soluble. The fat-soluble VITAMIN was given the A name while the water-soluble VITAMINS, the B name. That is why succeeding water-soluble VITAMINS were named B with corresponding number. Which therefore means that VITAMIN B1 was the first water-soluble VITAMIN discovered.

A. Health Benefits from VITAMIN B1
a. Energy - VITAMIN B1 helps in the conversion of Carbohydrates into Glucose which is being used by the body to perform various boy functions.
b. Good for the Heart - VITAMIN B1 support proper Heart function
c. Anti-Stress Vitamin - VITAMIN B1 makes the body withstand stress more

B. VITAMIN B1 Deficiency
a. Loss of appetite
b. "Pins and Needle" sensation
c. Feeling of numbness, especially in the legs area
d. Muscle tenderness, particularly in the calf muscles
e. Beriberi

C. Sources of VITAMIN B1
Foods which are good source of VITAMIN B1 are meat (especially pork), fishes, grains, nuts, legumes and some fruits and vegetables.
     For the Top Ten List of Fruits with the most VITAMIN B1, click here.
     For the Top Ten List of Vegetables with the most VITAMIN B1, click here.

D. VITAMIN B1 Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA)

Group	Fruit Name	Intake per day (in mg)
Infant	0 - 6 months	0.2
	6 - 12 months	0.3
Children	1 - 3 years	0.5
	4 - 8 years	0.6
Males	9 - 13 years	0.9
	14 years - 18	1.2
	19 years - above	1.2
Female	9 - 13 years	0.9
	14 years -18	1.0
	19 years - above	1.1

(Note : Data came from US Dep't. of Agriculture)