Vitamin B1, more commonly referred to as thiamin, is believed to play an important role in maintaining mental health. Some call it the "morale vitamin". Note, thiamin is extremely unstable and is leached out when cooking in water, plus sulfites (commonly used as preservatives) destroy thiamin. Thiamin works in conjunction with the other B vitamins.
Main Functions Thiamin is necessary for nervous system function, keeping the heart beating and fending off stress. It improves learning capacity and mental alertness. It also aids in digestion, helping to release energy from carbohydrates by creating glucose.
Deficiency Symptoms Thiamin deficiency disease is known as beriberi. It is rare, but can occur with excessive alcohol and tea drinking, both of which inhibit thiamin absorption. Symptoms include mental illness, fatigue, depression, headaches, loss of appetite and numbness in arms and legs.
Toxicity Symptoms Large doses may cause a reaction similar to anaphylactic shock. Several hundred milligrams may cause drowsiness.
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