tiamiini

Tiamiini, commonly known as thiamine or vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as a key cofactor in energy metabolism. Its active form, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), is essential for enzymes involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, including pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and transketolase. Through these reactions, tiamiini supports energy production in cells and helps maintain nervous system function.

Dietary tiamiini is found in fortified cereals and grains, pork, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, and yeast. Daily requirements for adults are around 1.1 mg for women and 1.2 mg for men; higher amounts are recommended during pregnancy (about 1.4 mg) and lactation (about 1.5 mg). Because tiamiini is water-soluble and not stored in large quantities, regular intake is necessary. Absorption occurs in the small intestine, with active transport at lower doses and passive diffusion at higher doses. Excess tiamiini is excreted in urine.

Deficiency can lead to beriberi or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Beriberi presents as dry (neurologic) or wet (cardiovascular) forms, while Wernicke-Korsakoff affects the nervous system and is particularly associated with chronic alcohol use, malnutrition, malabsorption, or dialysis. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, neuropathy, edema, confusion, ataxia, and ocular abnormalities. Treatment involves tiamiini supplementation, often by injection in severe cases, followed by oral maintenance.

Tiamiini is generally safe; it is a water-soluble vitamin with low risk of toxicity. Excess amounts are typically excreted, and adverse effects are rare.