# Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) in Whole Blood

> Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, particularly in the conversion of carbohydrate

*Source: [https://www.health3.app/biomarkers/vitaminb1t](https://www.health3.app/biomarkers/vitaminb1t)*

### On This Page

- What it measures
- Measurement units
- Reference ranges
- Health impact
- Related biomarkers
- Scientific references

## What is Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) in Whole Blood?

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, particularly in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, which the body uses for energy. It is also vital for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. Adequate levels of vitamin B1 are essential for maintaining energy levels, cognitive function, and overall cellular health. The body does not store large amounts of thiamine, so regular intake through diet or supplements is necessary. **Thiamine absorption and utilization can be influenced by dietary factors: chronic alcohol consumption impairs absorption, magnesium deficiency affects its activation, and high carbohydrate diets increase thiamine demand.**

**Deficiency in vitamin B1** can lead to several health issues. Mild deficiency might cause symptoms like fatigue, irritability, reduced reflexes, and poor memory. Severe or prolonged deficiency can lead to beriberi, a serious condition that affects the heart and nervous system. There are two main types of beriberi: wet beriberi, which affects the cardiovascular system resulting in heart failure, and dry beriberi, affecting the nervous system leading to muscle weakness and neuropathy. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, another severe form of thiamine deficiency, is commonly associated with chronic alcoholism and can cause mental confusion, coordination problems, eye movement disturbances, and memory issues. **Tannins in tea and coffee might interfere with its absorption, and sulfites in food preservatives can destroy thiamine.****

**Vitamin B1 toxicity is extremely rare**, as it is water-soluble, and excess amounts are excreted in urine. Even at high doses, thiamine is generally considered safe. However, excessive intake through supplements might cause mild side effects like nausea or irritability. For most people, managing vitamin B1 levels involves dietary intake of thiamine-rich foods such as whole grains, meat, nuts, and legumes, or supplementation in cases of deficiency risk, like chronic alcoholism or certain medical conditions.

**Factors that support healthy Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) levels**:

- A balanced diet that includes thiamine-rich foods such as whole grains, lean meats, fish, nuts, legumes, and fortified foods supports healthy levels.
- Potential interactions with dietary factors are worth noting. For example, **excessive consumption of tea and coffee is best limited**, as tannins in these beverages can interfere with thiamine absorption. Sulfites used as food preservatives can also destroy thiamine.
- Adequate intake of other nutrients that influence thiamine utilization, such as **magnesium**, through a balanced diet or supplementation if necessary, is also supportive.
- When a thiamine deficiency is suspected or symptoms like fatigue, irritability, or poor memory occur, a healthcare provider can advise on proper diagnosis and treatment.

## Measurement Units

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) in Whole Blood can be measured in: nmol/L, pg/mL, µg/100mL, µg/dL, µg/L, µg%

## Reference Ranges by Age and Gender

Reference ranges represent typical values for healthy individuals. Your healthcare provider must interpret your specific results.

| Age Range | Gender | Unit | Optimal | Normal | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| All ages | All genders | nmol/L | - | 90 - 140 | Rifai, 2023 |

## Related Biomarkers

- [**Magnesium**](https://www.health3.app/biomarkers/magnesium)

 Magnesium is a cofactor for thiamine-dependent enzymes. Adequate magnesium levels are necessary for the proper functioning of these enzymes, which are involved in carbohydrate metabolism. A deficiency in magnesium can impair the activation and utilization of thiamine.[Lonsdale, 2015][Rifai, 2023][Osiezagha, 2013][Peake, 2013]

## Related tools

- [**Blood Test Unit Converter**](https://www.health3.app/tools/blood-test-unit-converter)

## Academic References

1. Lonsdale D. Thiamine and magnesium deficiencies: keys to disease (2015). *Med Hypotheses*. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.12.004](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2014.12.004)
2. Burnham C.-A. D., Chiu R. W. K., Rifai N., Wittwer C., and Young I.. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine (2023). *Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine*.
3. Luong KV and Nguyen LT. The impact of thiamine treatment in the diabetes mellitus (2012). *J Clin Med Res*. [DOI: 10.4021/jocmr890w](https://doi.org/10.4021/jocmr890w)
4. Carney MW, Sheffield BF, and Williams DG. Thiamine and pyridoxine lack newly-admitted psychiatric patients (1979). *Br J Psychiatry*. [DOI: 10.1192/bjp.135.3.249](https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.135.3.249)
5. Rifai N.. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine (2023). *Elsevier*.
6. Cirio RT, Elder J, Fonzetti P, Gibson GE, Hirsch JA, and Jordan BD. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and dementia (2016). *Ann N Y Acad Sci*. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13031](https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13031)
7. Burnham C.-A. D., Chiu R. W. K., Rifai N., Wittwer C., and Young I.. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine (2023). *Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine*.
8. Chen H, Ding H, Ke Z, Li H, Lin X, Ye X, and Zhang G. Thiamine nutritional status and depressive symptoms are inversely associated among older Chinese adults (2013). *J Nutr*. [DOI: 10.3945/jn.112.167007](https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.112.167007)
9. Alaei Shahmiri F, Sherriff J, Soares MJ, and Zhao Y. High-dose thiamine supplementation improves glucose tolerance in hyperglycemic individuals: a randomized double-blind cross-over trial (2013). *Eur J Nutr*. [DOI: 10.1007/s00394-013-0534-6](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-013-0534-6)
10. Ali S, Barker NC, Freeman C, Jabeen S, Maitra S, and Osiezagha K. Thiamine Deficiency and Delirium (2013). *Innov Clin Neurosci*. [View Source](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3659035/)
11. Ahmadpanah M, Bajoghli H, Brand S, Davari H, Ghaleiha A, Haghighi M, Holsboer-Trachsler E, Jahangard L, and Seifrabie MA. Adjuvant thiamine improved standard treatment in patients with major depressive disorder: results from a randomized double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial (2016). *Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci*. [DOI: 10.1007/s00406-016-0685-6](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-016-0685-6)
12. Meamar R., Rad M.G., and Sharifi M.. The role of pancreas to improve hyperglycemia in STZ-induced diabetic rats by thiamine disulfide (2022). *NutrDiabetes*. [DOI: 10.1038/s41387-022-00211-5](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41387-022-00211-5)
13. Godber IM, Maguire D, and Peake RW. The effect of magnesium administration on erythrocyte transketolase activity in alcoholic patients treated with thiamine (2013). *Scott Med J*. [DOI: 10.1177/0036933013496944](https://doi.org/10.1177/0036933013496944)

### ⚠️ Important Medical Information

This reference page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Reference ranges vary between laboratories. Always review your lab results with a qualified healthcare provider.