Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

How does Thiamine (vitamin B1) work?

Thiamine is required by our bodies to properly use carbohydrates.

Are there safety concerns?

Thiamine is safe for most adults. Rarely, side effects such as skin irritation or other allergic reactions can happen.

Thiamine is likely safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women when taken in the recommended amount of 1.4 mg daily.

Thiamine might not properly enter the body in some people who have liver problems, drink lots of alcohol, or have other conditions.

Dosing considerations for Thiamine (vitamin B1).

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• For adults with somewhat low levels of thiamine in their body (mild thiamine deficiency): the usual dose of thiamine is 5-30 mg daily in either a single dose or divided doses for one month. The typical dose for severe deficiency can be up to 300 mg per day.
• For reducing the risk of getting cataracts: a daily dietary intake of approximately 10 mg of thiamine.

As a dietary supplement in adults, 1-2 mg of thiamine per day is commonly used. The daily recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of thiamine are: Infants 0-6 months, 0.2 mg; infants 7-12 months, 0.3 mg; children 1-3 years, 0.5 mg; children 4-8 years, 0.6 mg; boys 9-13 years, 0.9 mg; men 14 years and older, 1.2 mg; girls 9-13 years, 0.9 mg; women 14-18 years, 1 mg; women over 18 years, 1.1 mg; pregnant women, 1.4 mg; and breast-feeding women, 1.5 mg.

BY INJECTION:

• Healthcare providers give thiamine shots for treating and preventing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome).