Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Thiamine, as Thiamine HCl, is a water-soluble member of the B-Vitamin Complex, essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates into simple sugar glucose. It also ensures proper nervous system function by helping the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Alcohol interferes with the absorption of Thiamine through the intestines, potentially causing deficiency.^[1] In fact, acetaldehyde, a by-product of alcohol metabolism that is more toxic than alcohol itself has been shown to rapidly destroy Thiamine.^[2]

Health problems associated with a Thiamine deficiency include gastrointestinal, nervous system, and cardiovascular disturbances. Specific examples include Wernicke's encephelopathy (which affects the nervous system) and Korsakoff's psychosis (which affects short-term memory).

Because there is very little Thiamine stored in the body, depletion can occur in as little as 14 days. Make sure your body doesn't run out!

Ingredient Research
1. Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S, editors. Krause's food, nutrition, & diet therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders
    Company; 2000.
2. Takabe, M. and Itokawa, Y. (1983) Thiamin depletion after ethanol and acetaldehyde administration to rabbits.
    Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 29, 509–514.

Additional Resources
1. U.S. National Institutes of Health: Thiamine
2. Wikipedia: Thiamine
3. BBC: Thiamine 'Reverses Kidney Damage'