Thiamin
chemical compound
thiamin, also spelled thiamine, also called vitamin B1, water-soluble organic compound that is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism in both plants and animals. It carries out these functions in its active form, as a component of the coenzyme thiamin pyrophosphate. Thiamin deficiency results in beriberi, a disease characterized by multiple neuritis (lesions of nerves), general debility, and heart failure.
In 1926 thiamin was the first vitamin to be isolated in pure form. Its structure was fully elucidated and the vitamin synthesized in 1936. The chemical structure is as follows:
Thiamin is found most abundantly in cereal grains and in certain other seeds. In many countries, white rice and white wheat flour are now fortified with synthetic thiamin. Pork is one of the richest animal sources. The recommended daily intake of thiamin is 1.0 to 1.4 mg (1 mg = 0.001 gram) for adult humans. (See table of the vitamins.)
vitamin
alternative names/forms
biological function
symptoms of deficiency
Water-soluble
thiamin
vitamin B1
component of a coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism; supports normal nerve function
impairment of the nerves and heart muscle wasting
riboflavin
vitamin B2
component of coenzymes required for energy production and lipid, vitamin, mineral, and drug metabolism; antioxidant
inflammation of the skin, tongue, and lips; ocular disturbances; nervous symptoms
niacin
nicotinic acid, nicotinamide
component of coenzymes used broadly in cellular metabolism, oxidation of fuel molecules, and fatty acid and steroid synthesis
skin lesions, gastrointestinal disturbances, nervous symptoms
vitamin B6
pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine
component of coenzymes in metabolism of amino acids and other nitrogen-containing compounds; synthesis of hemoglobin, neurotransmitters; regulation of blood glucose levels
dermatitis, mental depression, confusion, convulsions, anemia
folic acid
folate, folacin, pteroylglutamic acid
component of coenzymes in DNA synthesis, metabolism of amino acids; required for cell division, maturation of red blood cells
impaired formation of red blood cells, weakness, irritability, headache, palpitations, inflammation of mouth, neural tube defects in fetus
vitamin B12
cobalamin, cyanocobalamin
cofactor for enzymes in metabolism of amino acids (including folic acid) and fatty acids; required for new cell synthesis, normal blood formation, and neurological function
smoothness of the tongue, gastrointestinal disturbances, nervous symptoms
pantothenic acid
as component of coenzyme A, essential for metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, and fat; cofactor for elongation of fatty acids
weakness, gastrointestinal disturbances, nervous symptoms, fatigue, sleep disturbances, restlessness, nausea
biotin
cofactor in carbohydrate, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism
dermatitis, hair loss, conjunctivitis, neurological symptoms
vitamin C
ascorbic acid
antioxidant; synthesis of collagen, carnitine, amino acids, and hormones; immune function; enhances absorption of non-heme iron (from plant foods)
swollen and bleeding gums, soreness and stiffness of the joints and lower extremities, bleeding under the skin and in deep tissues, slow wound healing, anemia
Fat-soluble
vitamin A
retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, beta-carotene (plant version)
normal vision, integrity of epithelial cells (mucous membranes and skin), reproduction, embryonic development, growth, immune response
ocular disturbances leading to blindness, growth retardation, dry skin, diarrhea, vulnerability to infection
vitamin D
calciferol, calatriol (1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D1 or vitamin D hormone), cholecalciferol (D3; plant version), ergocalciferol (D2; animal version)
maintenance of blood calcium and phosphorus levels, proper mineralization of bones
defective bone growth in children, soft bones in adults
vitamin E
alpha-tocopherol, tocopherol, tocotrienol
antioxidant; interruption of free radical chain reactions; protection of polyunsaturated fatty acids, cell membranes
peripheral neuropathy, breakdown of red blood cells
vitamin K
phylloquinone, menaquinone, menadione, naphthoquinone
synthesis of proteins involved in blood coagulation and bone metabolism
impaired clotting of the blood and internal bleeding
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