Why you need it?
Thiamin is needed to process carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Every cell of the body requires vitamin B1 to form ATP- the fuel the body runs on. Nerve cells require vitamin B1 in order to function normally.
The active form, TPP, functions as a co-carboxylase. It is required for the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to form active acetate and acetyl co-enzyme A. It is also required for the oxidative decarboxylation of other alpha-keto acids such as alpha-ketoglutaric aicd and the 2 keto-carboxylates derived from the amino acids methionine, threnine, leucine, isoleucine and valine. TPP is also involved as a co-enzyme for the transketolase reaction, which functions for the pentose monophosphate shunt pathway.
TPP has a specific role in neurophysiology separate from its co-enzyme function. It works at the nerve cell membrane to allow displacement so that sodium ions can freely cross the membrane. B1 is needed for the metabolism of carbohydrates (especially in the brain), fat, and protein.
Deficiency Symptoms:
Mild: fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite and disturbed sleep. Severe: confusion, loss of memory, depression, beriberi. Deficiency is most commonly found in alcoholics, people with malabsorption conditions, and those eating a very poor diet.
Good Food Sources:
Wheat germ, whole wheat, peas, beans, so called enriched flour, fish, peanuts and meat.