Vitamin B1
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
How Is Vitamin B1 Absorbed?
• Absorbed in the small intestine
• Requires healthy gut function and sufficient stomach acid
• Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and chronic stress significantly increase B1 requirements
Storage is limited – Vitamin B1 must be replenished regularly.
Where Is Vitamin B1 Stored?
• Small amounts stored in liver, muscles, heart, and brain
• Stores last only a few weeks
➡️ Deficiency can develop quickly and often goes unnoticed.
Serves:
Thiamin
Level:
Symptoms of Vitamin B1 Deficiency
• Fatigue and low energy
• Poor concentration
• Irritability and anxiety
• Memory issues
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle weakness
• Tingling or numbness
• Digestive issues
• Sleep disturbances
Severe deficiency may lead to beriberi or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
When Should Vitamin B1 Be Tested?
Assessment is recommended in cases of:
• Chronic fatigue
• Long COVID
• ADHD or neurological symptoms
• Diabetes
• Alcohol exposure
• Post-infectious syndromes
• Stress-related disorders
Testing options:
• Whole blood thiamine
• Functional nutrient panels
• Clinical symptom evaluation
About the Recipe
Who Needs More Vitamin B1?
• Chronic stress
• ADHD / neurodivergence
• Anxiety or depression
• Long COVID
• Chronic fatigue & burnout
• Diabetes & insulin resistance
• Alcohol or caffeine consumption
• IBS / leaky gut
• Thyroid disorders
• Post-viral syndromes
Ingredients
Vitamin B1 is sensitive to heat and food processing.
Rich natural sources include:
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Sunflower seeds
• Pork
• Oats
• Nuts
• Potatoes
⚠️ High intake of refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour) increases thiamine demand.
Preparation
Forms of Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 exists in different supplemental forms:
• Thiamine hydrochloride – standard form
• Benfotiamine – fat-soluble, higher bioavailability
• Thiamine Tetrahydrofurfuryl Disulfide (TTFD) – highly bioavailable, crosses cell membranes efficiently
In Functional Medicine, Benfotiamine or TTFD are often preferred, especially for neurological conditions.