Now Foods

Vitamin B-1 100mg 100 tab.

• A high dose of vitamin B1
• Controls energy metabolism
• Promotes the function of the nervous system
• Shows analgesic properties
• Speeds up wound healing
• Helps maintain healthy psychological functions
• Maintains a healthy cardiovascular system

Now Foods B-1 is a dietary supplement with the optimal dose of vitamin B-1. This vitamin is needed for the normal functioning of your body. It is therefore necessary to keep its optimal levels in the organism.

Vitamin B1 (also known as thiamine or less commonly aneurine) belongs to the family of water-soluble vitamins. This vitamin is quite common — high amounts of thiamine are found in pork, groats and pulses. It is not accumulated in the body — after quick resorption, excess amounts are excreted by the kidneys. Without vitamin B1, the organism utilises stores in the body in less than two weeks, hence it is essential to constantly balance thiamine levels.

Action and functions
Vitamin B1 is necessary for biochemical transformations in the body which provide the energy for life. It acts as a coenzyme for 24 enzymes involved in metabolism, especially in the combustion of carbohydrates in cells and producing energy. It takes part in the reactions leading to the synthesis of nucleotides and NADPH — the main compound in the metabolic pathway of fatty acids. It is involved in the restoration of protein and energy production in the mitochondria.

Thiamine contributes to maintaining a healthy nervous system. It affects the synthesis of neurotransmitters responsible for proper neurotransmission. It has also a great impact on cognitive functions. It enhances the activity of acetylcholine which is a prerequisite for good memory and cognitive functions. On the other hand, it inhibits the action of pseudocholinesterase — the enzyme which breaks down acetylcholine. It has been observed that serious acetylcholine deficiency, which is manifested by cognitive disorders, is correlated often with the shortage of vitamin B1. Balancing thiamine levels can significantly improve memory and stimulate the functioning of the mind.

Vitamin B1 has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and its deficiency may result in cardiac problems. Thiamine acts as a coenzyme in the transformation of two important energy substrates – pyruvate and lactate. Thiamine deficiency leads to their accumulation in body fluids and tissues which results in metabolic acidosis, vasodilation, as well as water and sodium retention in the body. All of this results in oedema and myocardial failure. Clinical studies have confirmed that regular intake of vitamin B1 by people with congestive heart failure improved their health and contributed to the regression of pathological vasodilation.

Thiamine protects the liver from harmful effects of alcohol. As a result of the metabolism of alcohol, a toxic substance called acetaldehyde is formed which can permanently destroy the liver tissue. Vitamin B1 effectively neutralizes the toxic effects on the body.

Vitamin B1 also shows strong analgesic properties and speeds up wound healing. It is helpful in combating shingles and eliminates unpleasant symptoms of seasickness.

Causes and symptoms of deficiency
Thiamine is a quite common vitamin. Nevertheless, it is difficult to provide adequate levels from the average diet. Vitamin B1 is quite labile and very sensitive to heat. The vitamin found naturally in food is easily destroyed during cooking (the loss reaches up to 50%). It is also destroyed by sulphates commonly used as preservatives. The inactivation of thiamine is caused also by thiaminases — natural enzymes found, inter alia, in raw fish, coffee or tea.

Vitamin B1 deficiency may be associated with dysfunction of the nervous system (deterioration of memory, problems with concentration and emotional balance), circulatory failure (increased heart rate, swellings of arms and legs), digestive disorders (vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite), chronic fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders (pain, cramps, pareses).

Low levels of insect repellents in the skin can be observed in individuals with thiamine deficiency and that is why they are often attacked by mosquitoes and blackflies.

Prolonged vitamin B1 deficiency can cause beriberi which involves muscle disorders and acute circulatory failure that can lead to death.

Thiamin deficiency often stands for a common condition called radiculitis (acute pain in the lumbar spine).

Thiamine requirements
The standard daily requirements of an adult human for vitamin B1 are 1.1-1.3 mg. They increase in the case of individuals leading an active lifestyle, exposed to long-term physical or mental activity or chronic stress. They are higher also for the elderly, women during pregnancy or taking oral contraceptives.

Higher demand for thiamine is also among people whose diet is rich in carbohydrates, who drink a lot of coffee, tea or alcohol.

B-1 is a high-quality formula which helps safely correct thiamine deficiency. In certain situations, especially at a fast pace of life, it can be can be difficult to provide adequate vitamin B1 levels from food. That is why we should consider supplementation with tested and safe products which will help us reach and maintain healthy levels of this vitamin which is extremely crucial for our health.