Is Thiamine Mononitrate Bad for You?
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 and is generally considered safe for most people. However, like any supplement, it should be taken in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It's important to note that excessive intake may lead to adverse effects. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
What Is Thiamine Mononitrate?
Thiamine mononitrate, is also known under the name vitamin B1.
Thiamine mononitrate is often found in nutritional supplements and food fortification [1]. That is mostly because it is a stable form of thiamine that does not readily degrade in the presence of air or humidity [1].
Vitamin B is a water-soluble essential nutrient that plays a critical role in many processes occurring within the cell. The processes that are involved are the metabolism and energy production of the cell.
Thiamine mononitrate is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats but also proteins. It helps and supports the proper functioning of the nervous system, heart, and muscles [2, 3].
In addition, it also has antioxidant effects and it acts as a singlet oxygen scavenger and a lipid peroxidation inhibitor [4].
Vitamin B 1 is converted into its active form thiamine pyrophosphate. Then it acts as a coenzyme to the energy processes within the cells [5, 6].
Deficiency of thiamine can lead to serious problems. For instance, it may involve neurological and cardiovascular problems like heart failure, neuropathy, ataxia, and paralysis [2]. Make sure to consult the adequate intake of Vitamin B with your healthcare provider.
What Are The Effects Of Thiamine Mononitrate On My Body?
The effects of thiamine mononitrate are in maintaining proper functioning of bodily functions.
As mentioned in the brief overview of vitamin B, it is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and also in energy production in the mitochondria [2].
Further, it is also involved in the neurotransmitter synthesis. It also ensures the proper functioning of both the central and peripheral nervous systems [2].
Thiamine with its antioxidant properties helps to protect your body from oxidative stress and protect cells from damage [4].
It aids in the prevention of heart failure which is induced by thiamine deprivation [7].
Further, it has been shown to have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects [8] and thus impacts your body's response to pain and inflammation [8].
Thiamine has antioxidant properties, which can help protect your body from oxidative stress. It acts as a singlet oxygen scavenger and a lipid peroxidation inhibitor, helping to protect your cells from damage [4].
In cases of thiamine deficiency, there has been observed an increase in plasma lactate and plasma pyruvate. This indicates a disruption in normal metabolic processes and also highlights the involvement of thiamine mononitrate in metabolism [9].
While thiamine mononitrate has many beneficial effects, its abundance or deficiency can lead to health problems [10]. Therefore it is not recommended not to take more than 2.0 mg of thiamine a day [10].
Is Thiamine Mononitrate Bad For You?
Thiamine mononitrate is not bad for you, in fact, it helps to maintain a lot of your bodily and cellular functions. However, it is important to note that thiamine or vitamin B deficiency can lead to serious health problems.
Although thiamine supplementation can be beneficial, a deficiency in thiamine mononitrate can be harmful.
In some medical conditions, such as myasthenia gravis, it is best to check whether there are vitamins to be avoided.
For instance, when studying thiamine deficiency in mice, mice with thiamine deficiency showed long-lasting neurobehavioural deficits like anxiety and reduced locomotion [11].
In rats, deficiency in thiamine pyrophosphate has been linked to significant decreases in tissue thiamine pyrophosphate, which is a coenzyme involved in the facilitation of energy processes in cells. This decrease was marked in the liver, gut, spleen, and skeletal muscle [9].
In humans, thiamine deficiency leads to severe neurological and cardiac disorders. One condition that can occur due to vitamin B deficiency is the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Such condition is marked by severe neurological problems [12].
To summarize, thiamine mononitrate is not bad for you. In fact, it is an essential vitamin that your body needs to function properly. That said, its deficiency can lead to health problems and therefore it is important to use it in moderation in the right amount, preferably consult it with your healthcare provider.