Thiamine

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is a B complex vitamin important in the metabolism of energy from carbohydrates, the production of RNA and DNA, and nerve function.

Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) is part of the conversion of acetyl coenzyme A (CoA).

The symptoms of thiamine deficiency include fatigue, paresthesia, muscle weakness, nausea, changes in heart rate, and delirium. Derrick Lonsdale and Chandler Mars argue that thiamine deficiency is more common than generally understood and an important contributor to dysautonomia. Without adequate and usable thiamine intake, the citric acid cycle necessary for aerobic respiration cannot be completed. In its extreme forms, thiamine deficiency manifests as beriberi and Wernicke's encephalopathy.

High-Dose Thiamine
In a series of small case studies, Alberto Costantini and colleagues found that high doses of thiamine substantially reduced fatigue in people with range of neurological and inflammatory conditions, including Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia , Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and cluster headaches.

Chronic fatigue syndrome
One very small study found decreased functional status of several B vitamins including pyridoxine, riboflavin and thiamine.

Learn more

 * Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center - Thiamine