Thiamin History
In Asia, when they found a way to remove the bran and the germ and polish rice (white rice) people started losing sensation in their arms and hands and losing control of their movement, even developing paralysis. They searched for a bacteria, which they thought was causing this epidemic. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that a physician discovered that it was “something” in the germ of the rice which cured this disease called Beri-beri. This something was “thiamin”. All grains are now enriched with Thiamin and other B-vitamins and thiamin is so widespread that deficiency is rarely seen, except in alcoholics who can develop Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Thiamin Functions
Thiamin functions in energy metabolism by assisting in the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids which are the building blocks for proteins.
Recommended Intakes of Thiamin
Age and Gender |
Amount of Thiamin per Day |
Infants 0-6 mo |
0.2 mg |
Infants 6-12 mo |
0.3 mg |
Children 1-3 yr |
0.5 mg |
Children 4-8 yr |
0.6 mg |
Males 9-13 yr |
0.9 mg |
Males 14- and up |
1.2 mg |
Females 9-13 yr |
0.9 mg |
Females 14-18 |
1.0 mg |
Females 19 and up |
1.1 mg |
Dietary Sources of Thiamin
Thiamin is widespread in food and is therefore easy to obtain adequate amounts to prevent deficiency. Thiamin sources include lentils, brown rice, wheat germ and spinach. Animal sources include beef and pork. Many processed foods, particularly grains, are fortified with thiamin, which is another reason we don't see deficiency. Despite this fortification, it's always best to obtain nutrients from whole foods.
References
- Sizer, F. Whitney E. The Vitamins. In: Nutrition Concepts and Controversies. 13 ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. 2014.
- Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes, Vitamins. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academies. United States Department of Agricultural. Last accessed April 2nd, 2016. https://fnic.nal.usda.gov/sites/fnic.nal.usda.gov/files/uploads/recommended_intakes_individuals.pdf
Last updated April 4th, 2016