Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B1 is water-soluble and like all the B-complex vitamins must be replaced daily. Vitamin B1 is known as the “morale vitamin” because of its beneficial effects on the nervous system and mental attitude. Those who smoke, drink, consume a lot of sugar, or take birth control pills have an increased need for this vitamin.

Benefits and functions:

• Plays a key role in the body's metabolic cycle for generating energy
• Aids digestion, especially of carbohydrates
• Essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles and heart
• Stabilizes the appetite
• Promotes growth and good muscle tone
• Helps fight air or seasickness
• Improves mental attitude

Possible Symptoms of Deficiency:

• Loss of appetite
• Weakness and fatigue
• ervousness and irritability
• Insomnia
• Weight loss
• Mental depression
• Constipation
• Heart and gastrointestinal problems

Food Sources: brown rice, peanuts, peas, sea vegetables like dulse flakes and kelp, wheat germ, rice bran and most whole grains.