Are thiamine and b1 and b12 the same?

In this post, we go over the question “are thiamine and b1 and b12 the same?”

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is needed in the body to produce cellular energy from consumed foods. Without sufficient thiamine you can experience issues with memory, mood, and even more critical issues.

Are thiamine and b1 and b12 the same?

B vitamins are a class of water-soluble (water-soluble) vitamins that primarily function as coenzymes (a substance necessary for certain enzymes to function). These vitamins, as well as others, must be included in our diet, and a lack of them can lead to health problems.

The B vitamins are labeled with a number and a name. They are: thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin (vitamin B7), folic acid (vitamin B9), and vitamin B12 (vitamin B12) (cobalamin).

They belong to the water-soluble vitamin group, along with vitamin C. Because vitamins in this group are not stored in large quantities in the body, they must be taken on a daily basis. Brewer’s yeast, whole grains, green vegetables, eggs, meats, and fish are examples of foods that contain them.

The B vitamins have numerous functions and, in general, act as coenzymes in the activation of various metabolic processes. They function as a coenzyme in the synthesis of fat, glycogen, and amino acids, for example. Their deficiency affects different parts of the body because they participate in different processes. Fatigue, anemia, irritability, and skin lesions are some of the symptoms of B-complex vitamin deficiency.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

It was the first vitamin to have its chemical structure described. It acts as a coenzyme in the removal of CO 2 from organic compounds, is important in fatty acid synthesis, and participates in nerve impulse transmission. Vitamin B1 is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the cardiovascular system.

Its deficiency can cause beriberi, a disease that can lead to death if not treated properly. Symptoms of beriberi include: fatigue, loss of appetite, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, among others. In more severe cases, the person will develop tingling, difficulty breathing, cardiac dysfunction, and even death.

Thiamine can be found in a lot of foods. Among the foods that have it, we can mention: yeasts, whole grains, nuts, wheat bran, vegetables, eggs, fruits, and meats.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

It participates as a cofactor for enzymes related, for example, with the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids. This vitamin is also associated with the production of nucleic acids and red blood cells and with the absorption of folic acid.

B12 deficiency, which is usually related to health problems that lead to poor absorption of this nutrient, can cause pancreatic insufficiency, hematological and neurological complications, tooth loss, and pernicious anemia — typical of this lack.

This vitamin is obtained through the ingestion of foods of animal origin, such as: fish, shellfish, meat, milk and derivatives. Restricted vegetarians may be deficient in it, as it is not produced by plants.