Thiamin and Liquid Supplements
Thiamin (which is also spelled thiamine) is a water-soluble B vitamin. Previously known as B1 or aneurine, it was isolated and characterized in the early 1900's, and was one of the
first organic compounds to be recognized
as a vitamin.
Occurring in the body as a free radicals in various forms, its primary function is interacting with enzymes. They basically help in catalyzing amino acids and derivatives of amino acids, which plays a very important role in the production of energy from foods.
Deficiencies, especially if severe, can lead
to "beriberi", which as been described in early Chinese literature
as early as 2600 B.C. Deficiency affects the cardiovascular, nervous, muscular, and gastrointestinal systems.
Beriberi has been termed as dry, wet, or cerebral, depending on the systems affected by a severe thiamin deficiency.
"Dry Beriberi"
is described as peripheral neuropathy, and in the early stages "dry feet syndrome" may occur.
Other symptoms may include exaggerated abnormal reflexes as well as diminished sensations and weakness in the arms and legs. Severely deficient individuals of this nutrient may also experience seizures.
Because of
the absorption capabilities of today's liquid vitamins,
deficiencies can be by-passed with daily supplementations.
"Wet beriberi" is characterized as cardiovascular manifestations that may include
rapid heartbeat, severe swelling,
enlargement of the heart, and difficulty in breathing.
"Cerebral beriberi" may lead to different types of psychosis, especially in people that abuse alcohol.
Some of the warning signs of cerebral beriberi
include abnormal eye movements,
stance or gait abnormalities, and several different abnormities with mental functions such as a confused apathetic state or a profound mental disorder.
Causes of
this deficiency may result from the inadequate intake,
an increased need for, and an excessive loss of this nutrient in the body, or a combination of these factors. Inadequate consumption is common in low-income populations whose diets are high in carbohydrates and low in thiamin, and in the industrialized countries,
alcoholism is the main cause
of the deficiency.
Food sources include lentils, peas, long grain brown rice and long grain white rice, (both enriched and cooked), whole wheat bread, white bread (enriched), fortified breakfast cereals, and fortified wheat germ.
Other sources include pork (lean & cooked), brazil nuts, pecans, spinach, oranges, cantaloupes, milk, and eggs (cooked).
Nutritional supplements and fortification of this vitamin are found in this vitamins hydrochloride form and nitrate.
There are several very
good liquid vitamins
in today's market that can help with these and other replenishment processes including the following brands:
Thiamin & Sea Aloe Liquid Supplements
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