Scientific Name of Vitamin B1

Explore the scientific name of Vitamin B1, understand its significance, and learn about its various forms, benefits, and sources.
Explore Plans
Check Health Insurance Plans
Get Quote
3 min
13-June-2024

Vitamin B1 is a vital nutrient that plays a significant role in maintaining overall health. As a member of the B-vitamin complex, Thiamine is crucial for energy production, proper nervous system function, and the metabolism of carbohydrates. Without adequate Thiamine, our bodies cannot efficiently convert food into energy, impacting various bodily functions and overall well-being.

Thiamine is essential for our bodies to effectively utilise carbohydrates and supports proper nerve function. It is present in foods like yeast, cereal grains, beans, nuts, and meat. Frequently combined with other B vitamins, thiamine is a common ingredient in many vitamin B complex supplements.

Check out: List of scientific names of vitamins

What is the scientific name of vitamin B1?

The scientific name of Vitamin B1 is Thiamine. It is a water-soluble vitamin crucial for carbohydrate metabolism and neurological function. Thiamine is chemically known as 2-[(4-amino-2-methylpyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methylthiazolium. Its common forms include thiamine hydrochloride and thiamine mononitrate.

Key functions of vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Given below are the key functions of vitamin B1:

  • Energy production: Thiamine is essential in converting carbohydrates into glucose, the primary energy source for the body, fueling daily activities and bodily functions.
  • Nervous system support: It aids in the proper functioning of nerves and muscle contractions, ensuring smooth communication between the brain and body for optimal performance.
  • Metabolism of sugars and amino acids: Thiamine helps in metabolising sugars and amino acids, which are crucial for cellular functions, supporting overall metabolic health and energy balance.
  • Heart health: It contributes to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system by supporting normal heart function, promoting efficient circulation, and reducing the risk of heart conditions.

Check out: List of vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases

What does Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) do?

Vitamin B1, or thiamine, plays a vital role in energy production by helping convert carbohydrates into usable energy. It supports nerve function, ensuring proper communication between the brain, nerves, and muscles. Thiamine also aids in the metabolism of sugars and amino acids, which are essential for healthy cellular function, promoting overall health and well-being.

What are the benefits of vitamin B1?

Given below are a few common benefits of vitamin B1:

  • Boosts energy by converting carbohydrates into glucose.
  • Supports nerve function and muscle coordination.
  • Enhances metabolism of sugars and amino acids.
  • Promotes heart health by supporting normal cardiovascular function.
  • Strengthens the immune system and brain function.

Vitamin B1: Essential roles in the body

Vitamin B1 plays an essential role in the body, in the following ways:

  • Helps produce energy from food, especially carbohydrates.
  • Supports proper functioning of the nervous system and muscles.
  • Promotes cardiovascular health by ensuring normal heart function.
  • Enhances cellular metabolism, crucial for maintaining overall body function.

Sources of Vitamin B1 in your diet

To ensure adequate intake of Thiamine, it’s important to include a variety of foods in your diet. Since the body cannot produce Thiamine on its own, it must be obtained from dietary sources.

Foods rich in Thiamine

  • Whole grains: Brown rice, whole wheat bread, and oats.
  • Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas.
  • Nuts and seeds: Sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, and flaxseeds.
  • Meat and fish: Pork, liver, and fish like trout and salmon.
  • Fortified foods: Breakfast cereals and bread often have added Thiamine.

Incorporating these foods into your daily meals can help maintain adequate Thiamine levels, supporting energy production and overall health.

Explore: Types of nutrition

Risks of vitamin B1 deficiency and overconsumption

Balancing Thiamine intake is essential for optimal health. Both deficiency and excess of Thiamine can lead to health issues.

Vitamin B1 deficiency:

Thiamine deficiency is relatively rare in developed countries but can have serious consequences if it occurs. It is often seen in individuals with chronic alcoholism, certain medical conditions, or poor dietary habits.

Symptoms of Thiamine deficiency include:

1. Beriberi:

A disease affecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems, leading to weakness, pain, and in severe cases, heart failure.

2. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome:

A neurological disorder causing confusion, memory loss, and coordination problems, often linked to chronic alcoholism.

3. Peripheral neuropathy:

Damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.

Vitamin B1 overconsumption:

While it is difficult to consume excessive amounts of Thiamine through diet alone, high doses of Thiamine supplements can potentially lead to:

  • Mild side effects: These might include headaches, irritability, or allergic reactions in some cases.
  • No established toxicity level: Thiamine is water-soluble, and excess amounts are usually excreted in urine. Thus, toxicity is rare.

Read more: Nutritional problems in India – Causes, effects and solutions

Pro Tip

Avail hospitalisation and treatment benefits with health insurance plans starting at just Rs. 15*/day.

health-insurance-banner

Health insurance and vitamin B1: Ensuring nutritional adequacy

Health insurance plays a crucial role in managing and maintaining adequate Thiamine levels through various healthcare services. Coverage for nutritional counseling, regular check-ups, and certain medical conditions related to Thiamine deficiency can be beneficial.

How health insurance supports Thiamine health?

  • Nutritional counseling: Many health insurance plans cover consultations with dietitians who can provide personalised advice on Thiamine-rich foods and dietary supplements.
  • Preventive care: Regular health check-ups covered by insurance can help monitor Thiamine levels and detect deficiencies early.
  • Treatment of deficiencies: Health plans often cover treatments for conditions related to Thiamine deficiency, such as beriberi or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
  • Supplement coverage: Some insurance policies include coverage for prescribed Thiamine supplements, especially for individuals at risk of deficiency.

By utilising these insurance benefits, you can better manage your Thiamine intake and overall health.

Explore: Wellness benefits in health insurance

Understanding the scientific name of Vitamin B1, or Thiamine, highlights its importance in maintaining overall health. As a critical nutrient for energy production, nervous system function, and metabolism, ensuring adequate Thiamine intake is essential. Health insurance plays a significant role in supporting your nutritional health by providing access to dietary advice, preventive care, and treatments for deficiencies. By incorporating Thiamine-rich foods into your diet and leveraging health insurance benefits, you can effectively maintain optimal Thiamine levels and overall well-being.

Read More
Vitamin A Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3

Frequently asked questions

What is another name for vitamin B1?
Another name for Vitamin B1 is Aneurine. It is often referred to as Thiamine in scientific and medical contexts. Both terms highlight its essential role in energy metabolism and maintaining proper nervous system function.
What is the compound name for vitamin B1?
The compound name for Vitamin B1 is Thiamine. Its chemical name is 2-[(4-amino-2-methylpyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methylthiazolium. Thiamine is crucial for energy metabolism and is essential for proper nervous system function.
What is the scientific name of Vitamin B1?

The scientific name of Vitamin B1 is Thiamine. It is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, nerve function, and overall health by converting carbohydrates into energy the body can use.

What is the deficiency disease of Vitamin B1?

The deficiency disease of Vitamin B1 is beriberi. It affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, nerve damage, and in severe cases, heart failure. Another related condition is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which impacts the brain.

Show More Show Less

Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-approved limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

GET THE APP

Disclaimer

*T&C Apply - Bajaj Finance Limited (‘BFL’) is a registered corporate agent of third party insurance products of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, Future Generali Life Insurance Company Limited, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited, SBI General Insurance Company Limited, ACKO General Insurance Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited, The New India Assurance Company Limited, Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Limited, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited , Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited, Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company Limited and Care Health Insurance Company Limited under the IRDAI composite CA registration number CA0101. Please note that, BFL does not underwrite the risk or act as an insurer. Your purchase of an insurance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any insurance product. Any decision to purchase insurance product is solely at your own risk and responsibility and BFL shall not be liable for any loss or damage that any person may suffer, whether directly or indirectly. Please refer insurer's website for Policy Wordings. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. Tax benefits applicable if any, will be as per the prevailing tax laws. Tax laws are subject to change. Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does NOT provide Tax/Investment advisory services. Please consult your advisors before proceeding to purchase an insurance product. Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may also be shared with insurers. BFL is also a distributor of other third party products from Assistance Services providers such as CPP Assistance Services Pvt. Ltd., Bajaj Finserv Health Ltd. etc. All product information such as premium, benefits, exclusions, sum insured, value added services, etc. are authentic and solely based on the information received from the respective insurance company or the respective Assistance service provider company.

Note – While we have made all efforts and taken utmost care in gathering precise information about the products, features, benefits, etc. However, BFL cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage/loss. We request our customers to conduct their research about these products and refer to the respective product’s sales brochures before concluding their sale.