Vitamins are essential for the healthy life we all aspire to lead. However, with so many vitamins to keep track of, it's understandable if you sometimes lose sight of them.
For instance, there are no fewer than eight different B vitamins. Let's start this series on vitamins with the first in the lineup: vitamin B1. How important is it for you, and how can you recognize a vitamin B1 deficiency?
What does vitamin B1 do in your body?
Vitamin B1, or thiamine, plays a crucial role in the body. It has multiple functions and is essential for a healthy metabolism.
Thus, vitamin B1 is necessary for converting carbohydrates into energy. Additionally, vitamin B1 supports nerve cell function and plays a role in maintaining a healthy heart.
Where can you find a lot of vitamin B1?
If you eat a varied diet, you'll quickly get enough vitamin B1. Even as a vegan, you don't need to worry. Vegetables and nuts are also an important source of vitamin B1. Therefore, it's not mandatory to eat meat to ensure a good intake of vitamin B1.
Do I have a vitamin B1 deficiency?
There are twelve different B vitamins, each offering its own function. According to Men's Health, the recommendation is for adults to consume between 0.7 and 1.2 mg of vitamin B1 per day. Being under this amount can lead to your body having a deficiency of this type of vitamin.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency?
With a vitamin B1 deficiency, you may experience troublesome symptoms. It can affect your nervous and cardiovascular systems. You recognize a severe vitamin B1 deficiency by these symptoms:
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Irritability
Nerve damage
Tingling in arms and legs
Blurred vision
Nausea
Vomiting
Confusion (or even hallucinations)
Memory loss
As you can see above, there can be some very serious consequences. Therefore, it's obviously very important that you ensure you get enough vitamin B1. If you're not getting it through your diet, it may be a good idea to supplement with a dietary supplement.
