Thiamine
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
An essential B vitamin critical for carbohydrate metabolism, nerve function, and energy production in the brain and muscles.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) was the first B vitamin discovered and is essential for converting carbohydrates into energy. It's particularly important for nervous system function and is required for the synthesis of acetylcholine. Deficiency causes beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Benfotiamine, a fat-soluble form, has enhanced bioavailability and is used for neuropathy and advanced glycation protection.
Mechanisms of Action
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Converts carbs to usable energy
Nerve Function
Essential for nerve signal transmission
AGE Protection (Benfotiamine)
Reduces advanced glycation end products
Recommended Dose
50-100mg daily; 150-600mg benfotiamine for neuropathy
Loading: Not typically required
Optimal Timing
- With food
- Morning with other B vitamins
Take with food
Best Form
Benfotiamine (fat-soluble, higher bioavailability)
Alternatives: Thiamine HCl (standard), Thiamine Mononitrate, Sulbutiamine (crosses BBB)
Benfotiamine is preferred for neuropathy and AGE protection. Sulbutiamine has nootropic effects but may require cycling.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Standard thiamine is water-soluble. Benfotiamine is fat-soluble and should be taken with a meal containing fat.
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Energy Production
Improved energy from food metabolism
Nerve Support
Supports healthy nerve function
Neuropathy Relief (Benfotiamine)
May reduce diabetic neuropathy symptoms
Benfotiamine well-studied for diabetic neuropathy protection
Higher doses often needed; alcohol depletes thiamine
Who Should NOT Take This
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Thiamine or related compounds
Drug Interactions
May increase thiamine excretion
Thiamine may help improve digoxin response in deficient patients
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Discontinue if symptoms occur
Tip: Take with food
Warnings
- Chronic alcohol use depletes thiamine
- Deficiency can cause serious neurological problems
Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers
Pattanittum P et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2016)
“There is no high quality evidence to support the effectiveness of any dietary supplement for dysmenorrhoea, and evidence of safety is lacking.”
Key Findings:
- Supplements versus other supplementsThere was no evidence of a difference in effectiveness between ginger and zinc sulphate (MD 0.02 points, 95% CI -0.58 to 0.62; one RCT, 101 women).
- Vitamin B1 may be more effective than fish oil (MD -1.59 points, 95% CI -2.25 to -0.93; one RCT, 120 women).
- There is no high quality evidence to support the effectiveness of any dietary supplement for dysmenorrhoea, and evidence of safety is lacking.
- However for several supplements there was some low quality evidence of effectiveness and more research is justified.
Harrison CN et al. • The Lancet. Haematology (2024)
“Findings from FREEDOM2 support fedratinib as a second-line Janus kinase inhibitor option to reduce spleen size after ruxolitinib failure or intolerance in patients with myelofibrosis, and shows effective strategies for management of gastrointestinal adverse events and low thiamine concentrations through prophylaxis, monitoring, and treatment.”
Key Findings:
- Clinical trial examining Thiamine efficacy
- Published in The Lancet. Haematology (2024)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Nakanishi N et al. • Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (2024)
“Although thiamine administration may reduce shock state, it may not reduce mortality, and slightly increases the length of ICU stay.”
Key Findings:
- Conversely, thiamine administration resulted in a slight increase in the length of ICU stay (MD, 0.40 days; 95% CI, 0.01-0.79 days; High CoE).
- Although thiamine administration may reduce shock state, it may not reduce mortality, and slightly increases the length of ICU stay.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Deng J et al. • International archives of allergy and immunology (2024)
“HAT appears beneficial in reducing vasopressor use and improving organ function in sepsis/septic shock patients.”
Key Findings:
- At 72 h, HAT reduced SOFA scores from baseline (mean difference [MD] -1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.58 to -0.74, I2 = 0%) compared to placebo/SoC, based on moderate quality of evidence.
- HAT also reduced the duration of vasopressor use (MD -18.80 h, 95% CI: -23.67 to -13.93, I2 = 64%) compared to placebo/SoC, based on moderate quality of evidence.
- HAT increased hospital LOS (MD 2.05 days, 95% CI: 0.15-3.95, I2 = 57%) compared to placebo/SoC, based on very low quality of evidence.
Monfort J et al. • Nutrients (2024)
“Regarding pain, however, although there was a numerical improvement, it did not reach statistical significance.”
Key Findings:
- Both groups showed pain improvement, but the VAS reduction (control: 24.58 vs. experimental: 31.35) was not statistically significant.
- The Roland Morris score decreased significantly in the experimental group (estimate: -1.70, 95% CI -3.29 to -0.10; p = 0.038), and these patients were 5 times more likely to progress to a better CGI category (OR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.57; p = 0.003).
- No significant differences were observed in EQ-5D-5L scores or analgesic consumption.
- Conclusions: The addition of supplemental pyrimidine nucleotides and vitamins B1 and B12 to standard of care treatment improved radiculopathy functional and clinical outcomes.
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.