It’s quite a sensitive & complex subject, as such we will do our best at providing a clear and concise article to clear any doubts you may have.
Beriberi
All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body uses to produce energy. They also help the nervous system function properly and are needed for good brain function. Thiamine is found in both plants and animals and plays a crucial role in certain metabolic reactions.
Symptoms of thiamine deficiency are:
Headache
Nausea
Fatigue
Irritability
Depression
Abdominal discomfort
People with thiamine deficiency also have trouble digesting carbohydrates. Beriberi
The most important use of thiamine is to treat beriberi, which is caused by not getting enough thiamine in your diet. Symptoms include:
Swelling, tingling, or burning sensation in the hands and feet
Confusion
Trouble breathing because of fluid in the lungs
Uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus)
People in the developed world usually do not get beriberi because foods such as cereals and breads are fortified with vitamin B1.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Is a brain disorder caused by thiamine deficiency. Wernicke-Korsakoff is actually two disorders.
Wernicke disease involves damage to nerves in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Korsakoff syndrome is characterized by memory problems and nerve damage. High doses of thiamine can improve muscle coordination and confusion, but rarely improves memory loss.
Cataracts
Preliminary evidence suggests that thiamine, along with other nutrients, may lower the risk of developing cataracts. So researchers have speculated that thiamine might help Alzheimer disease. Oral thiamine has been shown to improve cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer.
More research is needed before thiamine can be proposed as a treatment for Alzheimer disease. But diuretics may also cause the body to get rid of too much thiamine. A few small studies suggest that taking thiamine supplements may help.
Taking a daily multivitamin should provide enough thiamine.
Benefits
Vitamin B1, or thiamin, helps prevent complications in the nervous system, brain, muscles, heart, stomach, and intestines. It is also involved in the flow of electrolytes into and out of muscle and nerve cells.
It helps prevent diseases such as beriberi, which involves disorders of the heart, nerves, and digestive system. It is not a prohibited substances for athletes in the U.S. Other conditions in which thiamin supplements may help include: AIDS
canker sores
cataracts
glaucoma and other vision problems
cerebellar syndrome, a type of brain damage
cervical cancer
diabetic pain
stress
heart disease
kidney disease in patients with diabetes type 2
motion sickness
a weakened immune system.
Deficiency Symptoms
There may be mental problems, including confusion and short-term memory loss.
It is linked to a lack of thiamin, and it can be fatal if not treated. Other diseases, such as HIV, can reduce the absorption of nutrients, and this can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B1. Function All B vitamins are water-soluble.
B vitamins are necessary for keeping the liver, skin, hair, and eyes healthy.