Kids Research Express

Known also as vitamin B complex, these are fragile, water-soluble substances, several of which are particularly important to carbohydrate metabolism. Vitamin B1 Thiamine , or vitamin B1, a colorless, crystalline substance, acts as a catalyst in carbohydrate metabolism, enabling pyruvic acid to be absorbed and carbohydrates to release their energy. Thiamine also plays a role in the synthesis of nerve-regulating substances. Deficiency in thiamine causes beriberi, which is characterized by muscular weakness, swelling of the heart, and leg cramps and may, in severe cases, lead to heart failure and death. Foods richest in thiamine are pork, organ meats (liver, heart, and kidney), brewer's yeast, lean meats, eggs, leafy green vegetables, whole or enriched cereals, wheat germ, berries, nuts, and legumes. Milling of cereal removes those portions of the grain richest in thiamine; consequently, white flour and polished white rice may be lacking in the vitamin. Widespread enrichment of flour ...

Thiamine, also called vitamin B1, a substance that enables carbohydrates in the body to release the energy required for cellular function, known as metabolism. Thiamine also plays a vital role in the activities of enzymes, proteins that are involved in bodily processes such as digestion. Good sources of thiamine include wheat germ, dry beans, peas, enriched cereals and breads, pasta, nuts, eggs, and most vegetables. Lean pork is one of the best sources of the vitamin, as are organ meats, such as liver. Thiamine deficiency is a risk for the elderly, for people of all ages who participate in strenuous exercise, and for those who are severely ill. A severe lack of thiamine causes the vitamin-deficiency disease known as beriberi, a neurological and cardiovascular disorder characterized by muscular weakness, swelling of the heart, leg cramps, and, in severe cases, heart failure and death. Thiamine deficiency in severe alcoholics (a result of malnutrition) may lead to a central nervous syste...