Thiamine (b1)

Vitamin B1, also called thiamine or thiamin, is one of 8 B vitamins. All B

vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose),
which is used to produce energy. hese B vitamins, often referred to as B
comple! vitamins, also help the body metaboli"e fats and protein. B comple!
vitamins are needed for healthy s#in, hair, eyes, and liver. hey also help the
nervous system function properly, and are needed for good brain function.
All B vitamins are water$soluble, meaning that the body does not store them.
%ietary &ources
'ost foods contain small amounts of thiamine. (arge amounts can be found in por# and organ meats.
)ther good dietary sources of thiamine include whole$grain or enriched cereals and rice, legumes,
wheat germ, bran, brewer*s yeast, and blac#strap molasses.
Available +orms
Vitamin B1 can be found in multivitamins (including children*s chewable and li,uid drops), B
comple! vitamins, or if can be sold individually. -t is available in a variety of forms, including tablets,
softgels, and lo"enges. -t may also be labeled as thiamine hydrochloride or thiamine mononitrate.
What are the risk factors for thiamine deficiency?
A number of factors increase the ris# of developing thiamine deficiency. Alcoholism
Bariatric surgery
Genetic beriberi
Kidney disease
Living in an impoverished or underdeveloped nation
Low socioeconomic status
Poor diet
&tarvation
.ommon symptoms of thiamine deficiency (dry beriberi)
If you have dry beriberi thiamine deficiency, you may experience symptoms daily or just once in a while !t
times, any of these symptoms may be severe"
#onfusion or changes in thin$ing
%ifficulty sensing vibrations, especially in your hands and feet
%ifficulty wal$ing
Garbled or slurred speech or inability to spea$
Generali&ed pain
Impaired balance and coordination
'umbness or tingling in the arms or legs
(epeated jer$y eye movements )nystagmus*
+omiting
,ea$ness )loss of strength*
/ow is thiamine deficiency treated0
-he only treatment for thiamine deficiency is thiamine supplementation and changes to any underlying dietary
habits that may have caused the deficiency -hiamine supplementation can be given orally or by injection,
depending on the type and cause of thiamine deficiency you have
If identified early and treated promptly, most symptoms associated with thiamine deficiency should resolve
People who have thiamine deficiency should receive long.term monitoring of their thiamine levels to ensure that
the deficiency does not return
1iboflavin
Riboflavin, also $nown as vitamin B2 and is the vitamin formerly $nown as G,
/01
is an easily
absorbed colored micronutrient with a $ey role in maintaining health in humans and other animals It is the
central component of the cofactors 2!% and 23', and is therefore re4uired by all flavoproteins !s such,
vitamin B
0
is re4uired for a wide variety of cellular processes It plays a $ey role in energy metabolism, and
for the metabolism of fats, $etone bodies, carbohydrates, and proteins
Dietary Sources
he best sources of riboflavin include brewer*s yeast, almonds, organ meats, whole grains,
wheat germ, wild rice, mushrooms, soybeans, mil#, yogurt, eggs, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and
spinach. +lours and cereals are often fortified with riboflavin.
1iboflavin is destroyed by light, so food should be stored away from light to protect its
riboflavin content. 2hile riboflavin is not destroyed by heat, it can be lost in water when foods are
boiled or soa#ed. %uring coo#ing, roasting, and steaming preserves more riboflavin than frying or
scalding.
Available Forms
1iboflavin is generally included in multivitamins and B$comple! vitamins, and comes
separately in 34$, 45$, and 155$mg tablets.
%eficency
Vitamin deficiency affects various metabolic and physiological activities in the body.
%eficiency of vitamin B3 directly affects the cellular processes running in the body.
Vitamin B3 deficiency is also #nown as vitamin B3 riboflavin deficiency.

&ore tongue and lips
-nfection in the mouth and throat
6!treme and unusual sensitivity to light
-rritability in the eyes
.happed lips
Treatment
(iboflavin deficiency often occurs in conjunction with other B vitamin deficiencies, so you should discuss the
treatment of other B vitamin deficiencies with your doctor if you are diagnosed with a riboflavin deficiency !
measurement of urinary riboflavin can confirm a riboflavin deficiency -o treat a deficiency, oral riboflavin doses
of 0 to 56 mg are administered 7 times daily until signs and symptoms improve, and then the dose is reduced to
0 to 8 mg once daily until you completely recover If oral supplements are ineffective, riboflavin injections can be
given %aily riboflavin re4uirements for adults vary from 5 to 59 mg, with the higher doses recommended for
pregnant and lactating women
7iacin
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
:aving enough niacin, or vitamin B7, in the body is important for general good health !s a treatment, higher amounts of
niacin can improve cholesterol levels and lower cardiovascular ris$s
Why do people take niacin?
!s a cholesterol treatment, niacin has strong evidence ;everal studies have shown that it can boost levels of good :%L
cholesterol and lower triglycerides as well or better than some prescription drugs 'iacin also modestly lowers bad L%L
cholesterol It<s often prescribed in combination with statins for cholesterol control, such as #restor, Lescol, or Lipitor
How much niacin should you take?
=veryone needs a certain amount of niacin .. from food or supplements .. for the body to function normally -his amount is
called the dietary reference inta$e )%(I*, a term that is replacing the older and more familiar (%! )recommended daily
allowance* 2or niacin, the %(Is vary with age and other factors
#hildren" between 0.59 milligrams daily, depending on age
3en" 59 milligrams daily
,omen" 58 milligrams daily
,omen )pregnant*" 5> milligrams daily
,omen )breastfeeding*" 5? milligrams daily
3aximum daily inta$e for adults of all ages" 7@ milligrams daily
What ae the isks of takin! niacin?
"ide effects# 'iacin can cause flushing .. harmless but uncomfortable redness and warmth in the face and nec$ ..
especially when you first begin ta$ing it Aour health care provider will probably suggest increasing the dose slowly to
reduce this problem :e or she might also offer a time.release prescription formulation to control flushing 'iacin can cause
upset stomach and diarrhea :owever, all of these side effects tend to fade over time
Risks. 7iacin does have ris#s. -t can cause liver problems, stomach ulcers, changes to glucose
levels, muscle damage, low blood pressure, heart rhythm changes, and other issues. 8eople with any
health condition including liver or #idney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular
problems need to tal# to a doctor before using niacin supplements. %o not treat high cholesterol on
your own with over$the$counter niacin supplements.
7iacin %eficiency &ymptoms
&ymptoms of mild niacin deficiency include9
indigestion
fatigue
can$er sores
vomiting
depression
8yrido!ine
Vitamin B:, also called pyrido!ine, is one of 8 B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food
(carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. hese B vitamins, often referred
to as B comple! vitamins, also help the body metaboli"e fats and protein. B comple! vitamins are
needed for healthy s#in, hair, eyes, and liver. hey also help the nervous system function properly.
All B vitamins are water$soluble, meaning that the body does not store them.
%ietary &ources
;ood food sources of vitamin B: include chic#en, tur#ey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, beef liver, mil#,
cheese, lentils, beans, spinach, carrots, brown rice, bran, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and whole$
grain flour.
Available +orms
Vitamin B: can be found in multivitamins, including children*s chewable and li,uid drops, B comple!
vitamins, or can be sold separately. -t is available in a variety of forms, including tablets, softgels, and
lo"enges. Vitamin B: is also sold under the names pyrido!al, pyrido!amine, pyrido!ine hydrochloride,
and pyrido!al$4$phosphate
Effective for:
reatment and prevention of pyrido!ine deficiency.
reating a type of anemia called sideroblastic anemia.
reating some types of sei"ures in infants when given intravenously (by -V).
.yanocobalamine
Cyanocobalamin is a man$made form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is important for growth, cell
reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis. Cyanocobalamin is used to
treat vitamin B12deficiency in people with pernicious anemia and other conditions.
$R%&'(T)*+", Before using cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to itB or to
cobaltB or if you have any other allergies Aour doctor may recommend that you receive a smaller test dose
before starting your regular dose -his product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems -al$ to your pharmacist for more detailsBefore using this medication, tell your
doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of" low potassium blood levels )hypo$alemia*, gout, a
certain blood disorder )polycythemia vera*, a certain eye disease )Leber<s disease*, other vitaminCmineral
deficiencies )especially folic acid and iron*-his product may contain aluminum, which can infre4uently
build up to dangerous levels in the body

%nd poduct of cyanide poisonin! teatment
-n cases of cyanide poisoning the patient is given hydro!ocobalamin, which is a precursor to
cyanocobalamin. he hydro!ocobalamin binds with the cyanide ion and forms cyanocobalamin, which
can then be secreted by the #idneys. his has been used for many years in +rance and was approved by
the <.&. +%A in %ec 355:, mar#ed under the name .yano#it.
/>1/D1
he
following medicines may interact with .yanocobalamin9
chloramphenicol
cimetidine
colchicine
colestyramine
methyldopa
neomycin
para$aminosalicylic acid
potassium chloride
!e follo"in# ty$es of me%icine may interact "it! Cyanocobalamin:
biguanides
oral contraceptives
-f you are ta#ing .yanocobalamin and one of the above medicines or types of medicines, ma#e
sure your prescriber #nows about it.
Folic aci%
+olic acid, #nown as folate in its natural form, is one of the B$group vitamins.
+olic acid has several important functions. +or e!ample, it9
wor#s together with vitamin B13 to form healthy red blood cell helps reduce the ris# of central
nervous system defects such as spina bifida in unborn babies
A lac# of folic acid could lead to folate deficiency anaemia.
&oo% sources of folic aci%
+olic acid is found in small amounts in many foods. ;ood sources include9
broccoli
brussels sprouts
liver
spinach
asparagus
peas
chic#peas
brown rice
fortified brea#fast cereals
/ow much folic acid do - need0
Adults need 5.3mg of folic acid a day.
+olic acid cannot be stored in the body, so you need it in your diet every day.
'ost people should be able to get the amount they need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
+olic acid is a water$soluble B vitamin. &ince 1==8, it has been added to cold cereals, flour, breads,
pasta, ba#ery items, coo#ies, and crac#ers, as re,uired by federal law. +oods that are naturally high in
folic acid include leafy vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and lettuce), o#ra, asparagus, fruits (such
as bananas, melons, and lemons) beans, yeast, mushrooms, meat (such as beef liver and #idney),
orange >uice, and tomato >uice.
+olic acid is used for preventing and treating low blood levels of folic acid (folic acid deficiency), as
well as its complications, including ?tired blood@ (anemia) and the inability of the bowel to absorb
nutrients properly. +olic acid is also used for other conditions commonly associated with folic acid
deficiency, including ulcerative colitis, liver disease, alcoholism, and #idney dialysis.
-olic acid )also $nown as vitamin ., vitamin /, vitamin B0,
/71
vitamin Bc
/81
)or folacin*, pteoyl121
!lutamic acid, and pteoyl121!lutamate*
/dubious discuss1
is a form of the water.soluble vitamin BD
/@1
-olate is
a naturally occurring form of the vitamin, found in food, while folic acid is synthetically produced, and used
in fortified foods and supplements
/91
2olic acid is itself not biologically active, but its biological importance
is due to tetrahydrofolate and other derivatives after its conversion to dihydrofolic acid in theliver
/?1
+itamin BD )folate converted from folic acid* is essential for numerous bodily functions :umans cannot
synthesi&e folate de novoB therefore, folate has to be supplied through the diet to meet their daily
re4uirements -he human body needs folate to synthesi&e %'!, repair %'!, and methylate %'! as well
as to act as a cofactor in certain biological reactions
/>1
It is especially important in aiding rapid cell
division and growth, such as in infancy and pregnancy #hildren and adults both re4uire folate
to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia
/D1
2olate and folic acid derive their names from the Latin word folium, which means EleafE 2olate occurs
naturally in many foods and, among plants, are especially plentiful in dar$ green leafy vegetables
/561
What Causes Folic Acid Defciency?
+olic acid is a water$soluble vitamin. -t dissolves in water and is not stored in your fat cells. his
means that you need to #eep ta#ing folate as your body cannot develop a reserve.
8eople release e!cess amounts of water$soluble vitamins in their urine..auses of folic acid deficiency
include9
%iet
A diet low in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fortifed cereals is the main
cause of folic acid defciency. In addition, overcooking your food can
sometimes destroy the vitamins. Folic acid levels in your body can
become low in just a few weeks, if you dont eat enough folate-rich
foods.
isease
iseases that a!ect absor"tion in the gastrointestinal tract can cause
folic acid defciencies. #uch diseases include$
%rohns disease
celiac disease
certain ty"es of cancers "eo"le with severe kidney "roblems that
re&uire dialysis
Medication Side Efects
%ertain medications can cause folic acid defciency. 'hese include$
"henytoin (ilantin)
trimetho"rim-sulfametho*a+ole
sulfasala+ine
Excessive Alcohol Intake
Alcohol interferes with folic acid absor"tion. It also increases folate
e*cretion through the urine.
#ym"toms of folic acid defciency are often subtle. 'hey include$
fatigue
grey hair
mouth sores
tongue swelling
growth problems
;ymptoms of anemia caused by folic acid deficiency include"
"ersistent fatigue
lethargy
"ale skin
tender tongue
irritability
diarrhea
Pantothenic acid
8antothenic acid, also called pantothenate or vitamin B4 (a B vitamin), is a water$soluble
vitamin. +or many animals, pantothenic acid is an essential nutrient. Animals re,uire pantothenic acid
to synthesi"e coen"yme$A (.oA), as well as to synthesi"e and metaboli"e proteins, carbohydrates, and
fats.
'antot!enic aci% is t!e ami%e3edit4
bet"een $antoic aci% an% ()alanine. *ts name %erives from t!e &reek $antot!en
meanin# +from every"!ere+, an% small -uantities of $antot!enic aci% are
foun% in nearly every foo%, "it! !i#! amounts in "!ole)#rain cereals, le#umes,
e##s, meat,royal .elly, avoca%o, an% yo#urt./20 *t is commonly foun% as its
alco!ol analo#, t!e $rovitamin $ant!enol 1$antot!enol2, an% as calcium
$antot!enate. 'antot!enic aci% is an in#re%ient in some !air an% skin care
$ro%ucts./30'antot!enic aci% "as %iscovere% by Ro#er 4. 5illiams in 1633./70
Function
8antothenic acid and biotin are essential for growth. hey help the body brea# down and use
food. his is calledmetabolism.
8antothenic acid also plays a role in the production of hormones and cholesterol.
Foo% Sources
Biotin is found in foods that are good sources of B vitamins, including9
.ereal
.hocolate
6gg yol#
(egumes
'il#
7uts
)rgan meats (liver, #idney)
8or#
Aeast
8antothenic acid is found in foods that are good sources of B vitamins, including the following9
Avocado
Broccoli, #ale, and other vegetables in the cabbage family
6ggs
(egumes and lentils
'il#
'ushrooms
)rgan meats
8oultry
2hite and sweet potatoes
2hole$grain cereals
Aeast
Disease reatment
5oun% !ealin#
Administration of oral pantothenic acid and application of pantothenol ointment to the s#in
have been shown to accelerate the closure of s#in wounds and increase the strength of scar tissue in
animals. Adding calcium$%$pantothenate to cultured human s#in cells given an artificial wound
increased the number of migrating s#in cells and their speed of migration, effects li#ely to accelerate
wound healing (=). /owever, there are few data to support accelerated wound healing in humans.
A randomi"ed, double$blind study in patients undergoing surgery for tattoo removal found that
supplementation with 1,555 mg of vitamin . and 355 mg of pantothenic acid did not significantly
improve the wound$healing process
Vitamin B4, otherwise #nown as pantothenic acid or pantothenate is a water soluble B$vitamin
that is critical for normal function of the human body. his vitamin is also commonly called the anti$
stress nutrient because it plays a role in the production of stress hormones by the adrenal glands.
Deficiency of B)8 contributes to the inability to cope with stress. Additionally, pantothenic acid plays
vital roles in energy production from foodstuffs. 8antothenate is a component of coen"yme A, which
is necessary for energy production from carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and other compounds, as well as
synthesis of fats, cholesterol, steroid hormones, porphyrin and phospholipids.
Si#ns an% Sym$toms of Deficiency:
+atigue
6levated cholesterol
Burning and pain in the arms and legs
Burning feet
7ausea
-ndigestion
-rritability
+ainting
6levated heart rate
&usceptibility to infection
8remature graying of the hair
/air loss
1. here are no #nown to!icity problems with high doses of pantothenic acid or pantethine.
'assive doses, 15 to 35 g per day, may cause diarrhea in some people, however. 2hile vitamin
B4 is necessary for good health, the good news is that a %eficiency of this essential nutrient is
e!tremely rare.