Thiamine hydrochloride, or vitamin B1, is essential for nerve conduction and digestion. It can be found in whole grains, nuts, meat, and milk, but is often removed during processing. A deficiency can lead to deadly conditions like beriberi and Wernicke-Karsakoff syndrome, which are common among heavy drinkers. Certain foods and supplements can interfere with thiamine absorption, and taking too much can be dangerous.
Thiamine hydrochloride, also known as vitamin B1, is a vitamin that occurs on its own in many different foods, or is combined with other B vitamins in a B-complex supplement. This vital nutrient serves several important functions in the body, including including assistance in nerve conduction and digestion. A thiamine deficiency can be deadly, especially if it is a chronic condition. The body does not store thiamine, and the supply taken in through food only lasts for about two weeks, so it is very important to take the vitamin regularly as part of a balanced diet.
Natural sources of thiamine hydrochloride include whole grains, seeds and nuts, beef and pork products, and milk. When the grains are processed into white bread, the thiamine is removed, so some manufacturers add it to fortify the product. Thiamine hydrochloride can also be found in supplement form, either alone or with other vitamins. While natural thiamine is best for the body, doctors may recommend supplements for those severely deficient in the nutrient.
When the body does not receive an adequate supply of thiamine hydrochloride, a condition called “beriberi” can occur. In the United States and other developed countries, many foods are fortified with thiamine, so the condition is rare in those who eat a balanced diet. However, it is common among heavy drinkers and alcoholics, because alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to store and use the nutrient. Alcoholics who stop drinking suddenly can have severe withdrawal symptoms that can include seizures or death, and most hospitals connect patients to intravenous lines that contain thiamine in a saline solution to help counteract such seizures.
A lack of thiamine hydrochloride can also lead to a condition called Wernicke-Karsokoff. The syndrome actually consists of two separate conditions. Wernicke’s encephalopathy causes inflammation in the brain, which leads to confusion and loss of coordination. Karsokoff syndrome affects the part of the brain that stores memories. People with this disorder often make up stories to fill in the missing spaces in their memory. Alcoholism is a major contributing factor to the thiamine deficiency that causes Wernicke-Karsakoff syndrome.
Eating large amounts of certain foods can interfere with the body’s ability to use thiamine. For example, chemicals called tannins, found in tea and coffee, can alter thiamine to an unusable state in the body. Taking vitamin C can counteract this effect. Raw fish, particularly shellfish, can also render thiamine unusable. Cooked fish, however, appears to be safe.
While thiamine found in natural sources rarely causes side effects, supplements tend to be more concentrated and can cause certain unwanted effects. The most common are itching, nausea, and anxiety. Taking too much thiamine hydrochloride can be just as dangerous as not consuming enough and can cause death, so it’s best to talk to a doctor before starting supplements.
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