VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE)
What Is VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE)?
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for carbohydrate metabolism and energy production, functioning as a cofactor for enzymes involved in glucose metabolism and the synthesis of nucleic acids. It plays critical roles in nervous system function, cellular energy metabolism, and DNA repair mechanisms. Deficiency can lead to serious neurological conditions like Wernicke's encephalopathy, while supplementation is used for neuropathy, metabolic support, and cognitive function.
VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE) Research & Studies
01 Thiamine (Vitamin B1)-An Essential Health Regulator ▸
Thiamine is critical for cellular health, energy metabolism, glucose processing, DNA repair mechanisms, and has antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress and maintain DNA integrity.
View Study (PubMed)02 Dietary supplementation of vitamin B1 prevents the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis ▸
VB1 supplementation significantly mitigated osteoarthritis symptoms in a murine model, with downregulation of VB1 identified as a metabolic feature in the OA microenvironment.
View Study (PubMed)03 Impact of Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B2 Supplementation on Anxiety, Stress, and Sleep Quality ▸
After four weeks of 100mg B1 and B2 supplementation, participants showed significantly decreased stress scores and improved anxiety and sleep quality compared to placebo.
View Study (PubMed)04 Effect of vitamin B1 supplementation on bone turnover markers in adults ▸
28mg daily vitamin B1 supplementation for one month significantly reduced serum TRACP 5b (bone resorption marker) in middle-aged and older adults, suggesting beneficial effects on bone health.
View Study (PubMed)05 Thiamine deficiency and cardiovascular disorders ▸
Thiamine deficiency is associated with various cardiovascular diseases including heart failure, myocardial infarction, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, with supplementation showing potential therapeutic benefits.
View Study (PubMed)06 B1 Vitamin Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery, Prevalence, and Symptoms ▸
B1 deficiency is a highly prevalent complication after bariatric surgery, requiring monitoring and supplementation protocols for post-surgical patients.
View Study (PubMed)07 Unpeeling the Evidence for the Banana Bag: Evidence-Based Recommendations for Alcohol-Associated Deficiencies ▸
Reviews the importance of thiamine supplementation in ICU patients with alcohol use disorders, particularly for preventing and treating Wernicke's encephalopathy in critical care settings.
View Study (PubMed)08 Treating sepsis with vitamin C, thiamine, and hydrocortisone ▸
Explores the combination therapy of thiamine with vitamin C and hydrocortisone for sepsis treatment, investigating potential benefits for hemodynamics and end-organ function in critically ill patients.
View Study (PubMed)VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE) User Reviews & Experiences
*Based on large scale analysis of publicly available user experiences
Users consistently report significant benefits from thiamine supplementation, particularly for anxiety reduction, energy improvement, and neuropathy relief. The combination with magnesium is frequently praised for creating a calm, focused state, though some caution about proper dosing and cofactor requirements.
VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE) Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
- Anxiety and Mood Improvement: Users report significant reduction in anxiety, with descriptions of feeling 'calm', 'warm and cozy', and experiencing complete elimination of chronic mild anxiety when combined with magnesium
- Neuropathy Relief: Multiple users report substantial improvements in peripheral neuropathy symptoms, with high-dose benfotiamine (200-300mg) providing relief from nerve pain and numbness
- Energy and Cognitive Function: Users describe increased energy levels, reduced brain fog, improved cognition, and easier access to 'flow state', with some comparing effects to a 'limitless pill' when using TTFD form
- Sleep Quality: When taken with magnesium, users report deeper sleep, better sleep quality, and improved sleep duration, though timing matters as it can be stimulating if taken at night
- Cofactor Synergy: B1 effectiveness is significantly enhanced when taken with magnesium, as they are cofactors; taking one without the other may deplete the other and reduce overall effectiveness
- Form Matters: Users report different experiences with various forms - TTFD (thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) and benfotiamine are considered more effective than standard thiamine HCl, with better bioavailability and immediate effects
- Dosage-Dependent: Standard RDA levels (1-2mg) are considered insufficient for therapeutic effects; users report benefits at 100-300mg doses, with some MS patients using gram doses under medical supervision
- Individual Response: Effectiveness varies significantly between individuals, with some experiencing immediate benefits within hours while others need several weeks of supplementation to notice improvements
- Therapeutic Range: Most users report benefits at 100-300mg daily, with benfotiamine commonly used at 200-300mg for neuropathy; standard thiamine HCl has only ~5% absorption so higher doses are needed
- Timing and Frequency: Best taken with magnesium on empty stomach in morning, or split throughout the day; effects typically felt within 1 hour; should not be taken at night as it can be stimulating
- Cofactor Requirements: Must be taken with adequate magnesium (200-400mg) and potentially B2 for methylation; some users add 400mg magnesium chloride with first dose of the day
- Discontinuation Caution: Users warn about stopping suddenly after regular use - body adapts to supplementation and sudden cessation can temporarily slow carb digestion and affect nervous system for several days
- Adaptation Required: Body becomes accustomed to supplementation; sudden discontinuation after regular use can cause temporary issues with carbohydrate digestion and nervous system function lasting several days
- Cofactor Depletion: Taking B1 alone without magnesium can deplete magnesium stores; similarly, high magnesium intake can lower B1 levels, requiring balanced supplementation
- Rare Acute Effects: Very high accidental doses (1200mg) can cause acute symptoms including nausea and flushing, though generally well-tolerated and water-soluble
- Minimal Concerns: B1 is water-soluble, practically non-toxic, and excess is excreted; most users report no negative side effects at therapeutic doses when properly balanced with cofactors
- Multiple Forms Available: Standard thiamine HCl is cheapest but poorly absorbed (~5%); benfotiamine and TTFD are more expensive but significantly more bioavailable and effective
- Common Brands: Users mention Thorne, NOW Foods, and various B-complex formulations; benfotiamine is readily available though TTFD can be harder to source and more expensive
- Combination Products: Often found in B-complex formulations, though users prefer isolating B1 to control dosage and avoid imbalances; nutritional yeast is mentioned as a natural fortified source
Community Reviews
Share your experience with VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE) and help others make informed decisions.
Write a Review
Sign in to leave a review