What is thiamine?
Thiamine, or thiamin, or vitamin B1, is a member of the B vitamins. The systematic name of the IUPAC is 2-[3-[(4-amino-2-methylpyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-3-ium-5-yl]ethanol.
Chemical structure
Thiamine has the following general chemical formula C12H17N4OS⊕.
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Functions
Although the human body needs only a tiny amount of thiamine, it plays several key roles in health. Thus, it aids carbohydrate metabolism and blood formation, stimulates blood circulation and contributes to the maintenance of muscle tone in the stomach, intestines and heart. Vitamin B1 is essential for healthy brain and nerve cell function and promotes appetite.
Chemical properties
Food sources
Dried beans, oats, brown rice, peanuts, peas, soybeans, wheat germ, lean meats, fish, cereals, fortified breads and whole grains.
