Vitamin B1 or thiamine is a vitamin that plays a role in the use of carbohydrates as a source of energy for the body. Thiamine also helps maintain good nerve function.The body's daily intake of vitamin B1 can be obtained through food or supplement.
Vitamin B1 is naturally found in whole grains, beef, tuna, salmon, and nuts. In addition, vitamin B1 can also be found in fortified cereals or fortified with this vitamin.
Vitamin B1 supplements are often used to treat vitamin B1 deficiency in people with alcoholism, beriberi, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, regular users of the drug furosemide, people with HIV/AIDS, heart failure, cirrhosis, malabsorption, people undergoing bariatric surgery, or undergoing hemodialysis.
If you can't get enough vitamin B1 from food, your doctor will suggest taking vitamin B1 supplements. Vitamin B1 supplements are available as a single drug, in combination with other B vitamins, or in combination with other vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin B1 trademark: Neurobion, Neurodex, Farbion, Vitamin B1
What is Vitamin B1
| group | Vitamin supplements |
| Category | Over-the-counter drugs (tablets) and prescription drugs (injections) |
| Benefit | Meet the needs of vitamin B1 and treat diseases caused by vitamin B1 deficiency |
| Consumed By | Adults and children |
| Vitamin B1 for pregnant and lactating women | Category A: If the dose does not exceed the nutritional adequacy rate, controlled studies in pregnant women have not shown any risk to the fetus, and it is unlikely to harm the fetus.Category C: If the dose exceeds the nutritional adequacy rate, animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Vitamin B1 supplements can be absorbed into breast milk, but are considered safe for consumption by nursing mothers. Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women are advised to take B1 supplements that are specifically intended for pregnant or lactating women. |
| Medicine Form | Tablets and injections |
Precautions Before Using Vitamin B1
There are several things to consider before using vitamin B1, including:
- Do not take vitamin B1 if you are allergic to synthetic vitamin B1 (thiamine).
- Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have kidney problems and need to get vitamin B1 by injection.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or an overdose after taking vitamin B1.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Vitamin B1
The dose of vitamin B1 given by the doctor can vary based on the age and condition of the patient. The following explains the general dosage of vitamin B1 by purpose:
Purpose: Overcoming vitamin B1 deficiency
- Mature: a maximum dose of 300 mg of vitamin B1 tablets per day.
- Children: 10–50 mg vitamin B1 tablets per day, given in separate doses.
Purpose: Prevents vitamin B1 deficiency
- Mature: 50–100 mg vitamin B1 tablets once daily.
- Children: 0.5–1 mg vitamin B1 tablet once daily.
Purpose: Treating Wernicke-Korsakoff sindrom syndrome
- Mature: initial dose of 100 mg by injection into a vein (IV) over 10 minutes. Followed by giving a dose of 50–100 mg per day by IV injection or injection into the muscle (IM), until the patient is allowed to take vitamin B1 in tablet form.
Purpose: Treating beriberi
- Mature: 10–20 mg IM injection 3 times daily, for up to 2 weeks. Followed by giving 5–10 mg of vitamin B1 tablets per day, for a month.
- Children: 10–25 mg IV or IM injection per day or 10–50 mg vitamin B1 tablet per day, for 2 weeks. Followed by 5–10 mg of vitamin B1 tablets per day, for a month.
Daily Requirements and Limit Intake of Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 needs can be met through food, supplements, or a combination of both. The recommended nutritional adequacy rate (RDA) varies based on age, gender, and health conditions. Here's a breakdown of the daily RDA of vitamin B1:
| Age | Man | Woman |
| 0–6 months | 0.2 mg | 0.2 mg |
| 7–12 months | 0.3 mg | 0.3 mg |
| 1-3 years | 0.5 mg | 0.5 mg |
| 4–8 years | 0.6 mg | 0.6 mg |
| 9–13 years | 0.9 mg | 0.9 mg |
| 14–18 years old | 1.2 mg | 1.1 mg |
| 19–50 years old | 1.2 mg | 1.1 mg |
| 51 years old | 1.2 mg | 1.1 mg |
Pregnant and lactating women need more vitamin B1 intake per day. The RDA for vitamin B1 for pregnant and lactating women is 1.4 mg/day.
There is no limit on the maximum intake of vitamin B1. It is suspected that the absorption of vitamin B1 will decrease if there is already 5 mg of vitamin B1 in the body.
How to Use Vitamin B1 Correctly
The dose of vitamin B1 that is injected will be given by a doctor or medical officer on doctor's instructions. The injection will be given intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle). Ask your doctor to change your medication if the vitamin B1 liquid is cloudy or contains particles.
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the vitamin B1 package before starting to take it. Vitamin B1 needs to be taken with meals or as directed by a doctor.
Make sure there is sufficient time between doses. Try to take vitamin B1 at the same time to be more effective.
If you forget to take vitamin B1, take it immediately when you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
The use of vitamin B1 is usually combined with changes to the diet. Follow the doctor's instructions and avoid foods that should not be eaten.
Store vitamin B1 in a place away from direct sunlight, humidity, or heat. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Interaction of Vitamin B1 with Other Drugs
When used with certain drugs, vitamin B1 can cause drug interactions. Some medicines that can decrease the effectiveness of vitamin B1 are:
- Azithromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin
Side Effects and Dangers of Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 rarely causes side effects, especially when taken in appropriate doses. However, when given by injection, there are some side effects that can appear at the injection site, namely:
- tingling
- Nauseous
- Itchy rash
- Skin feels warm
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not improve. See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, such as shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, a skin rash, or swelling of the face, lips, and eyelids.