Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 is is a water-soluble vitamin needed to process carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Every cell of the body requires vitamin B1 to form the fuel the body runs on—adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Nerve cells require vitamin B1 in order to function normally.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Alzheimer’s Disease | 3 grams daily |  [2 stars] Supplementing with vitamin B1 might slow Alzheimer’s disease progression in people whose vitamin B1–dependent enzymes have low activity.
|
Anemia and Genetic Thiamine-Responsive Anemia | 10 to 20 mg daily | [2 stars] Rare genetic disorders can cause anemias that may improve with large amounts of supplements such as vitamin B1. |
Hepatitis | 100 mg daily | [2 stars] In a preliminary report, three patients with chronic hepatitis B had an improvement in the severity of their hepatitis after supplementing with thiamine (vitamin B1). |
Low Back Pain (Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6) | Take under medical supervision: 50 to 100 mg each of vitamins B1 and B6, and 250 to 500 mcg of vitamin B12, all taken three times per day | [2 stars] A combination of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 may prevent a common type of back pain linked to vertebral syndromes and may reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medications. |
Type 1 Diabetes | 25 mg vitamin B1 with 50 mg of vitamin B6 daily or 600 mg lipid-soluble thiamine (benfotiamine) daily | [2 stars] People with type 1 diabetes may be deficient in vitamin B1. Supplementing with vitamin B1 may restore levels and improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. |
Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy (Vitamin B12) | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] Taking vitamin B1 combined with vitamin B12 may improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. |
Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy (Vitamin B6) | 25 mg of vitamin B1 daily, with 50 mg of vitamin B6 daily | [2 stars] Taking vitamin B1 combined with vitamin B6 may improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. |
Alcohol Withdrawal | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Supplementing with vitamin B1 (thiamine) may prevent brain damage and nerve disorders in people with alcoholism, including those withdrawing from alcohol.
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Cardiomyopathy and Wet Beri Beri | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] People with cardiomyopathy caused by severe vitamin B1 deficiency (known as wet beri beri) generally require intravenous vitamin B1, followed by oral supplementation. |
Dysmenorrhea | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin B1 appears to relieve dysmenorrheal in cases of vitamin B1 deficiency. It is not known whether supplementing would relieve the condition in women who are not deficient. |
Fibromyalgia | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] People with fibromyalgia may be deficient in vitamin B1. Supplementing with the vitamin may correct the deficiency and improve symptoms. |
HIV and AIDS Support | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] People with AIDS often have thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which may contribute to some neurological abnormalities, supplementing with the vitamin may help. |
Multiple Sclerosis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency may contribute to nerve damage. Researchers have found that injections of thiamine or thiamine combined with niacin may reduce symptoms. |
Pre- and Post-Surgery Health | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin B1, given as intramuscular injections before surgery, resulted in less reduction of immune system activity after surgery in one study. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.