Thiamine is one of the B vitamins. Thiamine is naturally present in some foods or added to some food products.
Thiamine is a vital player in energy metabolism, which means it is involved in the growth, development, and function of cells. Thiamine may also play a role in supporting cognition and nervous system health.
Thiamine is sometimes called the “anti-stress” vitamin because it supports the body’s ability to function under stressful conditions. Inadequate intake of this vitamin in diet causes dropsy, palpitations and heart failure.
Thiamine acts as an anti-beriberi or antineuritic vitamin. People with beriberi have difficulty standing, walking, and controlling their muscles. This disease was common in the 1800s in Southeast Asian countries when people started eating white “polished” rice instead of brown rice.