Vitamin B1

Vitamin B₁
The proper chemical name of vitamin B₁ is Thiamin. It is a colourless crystalline substance.

Principle Sources

• Wheat or rice germ
• Eggs
• Lean meats
• Leafy green vegetables
• Berries
• Nuts
• Legumes
• Yeast extract
• Wholemeal flour
• Liver
• Kidney
• Heart
• Polk

Function

• Acts as a coenzyme for decarboxylation in respiration especially in Krebs cycle.

Deficiency diseases and Symptoms

Beriberi-

• Nervous system affected.
• Muscles become weak and painful.
• Paralysis can occur.
• Heart failure (In severe cases this can cause death.)
• Oedema (Tissues swollen with fluid.)
• Children's growth is reduced.
• Keto acids like pyruvic acid, accumulate in the blood.