The story of the 1800's paralyzing disease that plagued the Orient for many years and killed many people was described as a compelling one. That paralyzing disease was called Beriberi. It is characterized by a gradual loss of body tissues and swelling of the limbs. This disease had been reported as common in the Orient where the staple food consists mainly of milled rice with very little protein. A similar dilemma had also surfaced in the Netherlands, which resulted in a worldwide interest in finding a cure. The search for a cure led to a trial experiment in the 1900s by an American chemist in collaboration with the Philippine Bureau of Science. That experiment resulted in the identification of Thiamin deficiency as the cause of Beriberi.

Functions

The need for Thiamin (Vitamin B1) in the body is mainly for the breakdown and utilization of Carbohydrates and Fats. As discussed earlier, Carbohydrate (as Glucose), is the body's main source of energy. Every cell in our body is dependent on Glucose produced for energy. However, the body's ability to convert Carbohydrate into Glucose is interdependent with enzymes and coenzymes. For example, acting as coenzyme, Thiamin works in converting Carbohydrate into Glucose for energy, and every single cell of your body requires that energy.

As mentioned, nutrients are interrelated and interdependent of each other in terms of their digestion and absorption. For example, the group of B Vitamins, such as Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3) and Pyridoxine (B6), come from one food group. They work hand-in-hand with each other in converting Carbohydrates, Protein and Fats into energy or in storing extra calories as fats.

Deficiencies

If Thiamin is not available in the body, several important organ systems in your body will go haywire as a result of the deficiency. For example, in the gastrointestinal system, the cells in the smooth muscles and the glands that secrete juices that facilitate digestion will be starved from a lack of energy or fuel. This kind of deficiency can cause problems, such as anorexia (lack of appetite), indigestion or severe diarrhea, severe constipation, and/or lack of muscle tone in the stomach causing a slow movement of food out of the stomach. As a result, the production of more glucose for other body cells will be halted. This vicious cycle can ultimately affect two other important organ systems (the nervous system and cardiovascular or the heart-blood vessel system) that depend so much on energy from glucose.

The central nervous system requires glucose for its primary source of energy in order for it to function. Imagine, without Thiamin to breakdown Carbohydrates for glucose, the cells in the nervous system (in which the brain is a part of) will be starved too. This can result in problems, such as nerve damage, decreased alertness, fatigue, and eventually paralysis. The heart muscle and the smooth muscle of the vascular system (blood vessels) also require energy for them to function. Without Thiamin, Glucose will not be produced and the heart and the vascular system will be deprived of their energy source. Such a severe condition can result in severe edema (swelling) in the lower part of the body, heart failure and eventually death.

As previously mentioned in other sections of this Nutrition Corner, that processing and handling of foods directly affect the retention of vitamins and minerals. Because of the health problems associated with the deficiency of certain nutrients, fortification and enrichment processes have been used by food companies to restore the lost nutrients.

Thiamin (Vitamin B1) deficiency has been observed primarily in people who eat polished rice with very little protein intake, and people who abuse alcohol. Fortunately, commercialized rice, and other grain products are now enriched with vitamins and minerals, thus reducing the incident of Thiamin deficiency. In another scenario, the effects of alcohol abuse in the body can also be devastating to the nervous system. Alcohol has been reported to cause malnutrition due to impaired absorption of nutrients and increased loss of Thiamin (Vitamin B1) in the urine. The body will need more and more nutrients, but because of this condition, the body will be starved of the important elements to stay alive. Again, this vicious cycle can adversely affect your health and eventually lead to brain damage or death.

Toxicity

Thiamin (Vitamin B1) is a water-soluble vitamin and as such, it is least likely to reach toxic levels. However, there is an exception. When Thiamin is taken intravenously (injections), it has been reported to cause anaphylactic shock in few people.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

The body's daily requirement for Thiamin is measured in terms of the amount of calories eaten, especially from a Carbohydrate source. As mentioned, Thiamin helps in the breakdown of Carbohydrates for energy. Whenever the need for energy is increased, the Thiamin requirement is also increased. For example, reports have been shown that the need for Thiamin during pregnancy and lactation is increased by 50%. This is because in pregnancy the growth of the fetus is at an accelerated rate. In addition, there is an increase in metabolic rate and milk production of the mother. Thiamin requirements are also high in the growing age, such as in childhood and adolescence. In adults, at a point where growth is achieved and if the body comprises a large volume of tissues (whether its fatty tissues or lean tissues), the cells need for energy is also increased. The RDA for Thiamin is expressed in milligrams (mg).

Food Sources

As mentioned, poor eating habits can have a profound effect in the body's ability to absorb and utilize nutrients. Foods that are high in fats, and sugar, are deficient in Thiamin (Vitamin B1). Reports have shown that such deficiency is associated with mild forms of mental illness. Food sources of Thiamin are widespread in plants and meats (animal foods). However, the amount of Thiamin in each source is small. Therefore, if the food intake in terms of total calories is very small, then the intake of Thiamin is also inadequate.

-- Ofelia B. Mutia, M.S.,R.D.,L.D.

Resources and Acknowledgments

1. Understanding Normal & Clinical Nutrition by Whitney, Cataldo & Rolfes
2. The Essential Guide to Vitamins and Minerals by Elizabeth Somer, M.A.,R.D.
3. Nutrition Concepts & Controversies by Hamilton, Whitney & Sizer
4. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism by James L. Groff, Sareen S. Gropper
5. Bowes & Church's Food Values of Portions Commonly Used by Jean A.T. Pennington, Ph.D., Anna De Planter Bowes, Helen N. Church
6. Essentials of Nutrition and Diet Therapy by Sue Rodwell Williams