A well-regarded, cost-effective standard thiamine supplement from a trusted brand.
insightsAnalysis
NOW B-1 100 mg provides a standard dose of thiamine (Vitamin B1) in a common water-soluble form, likely Thiamine Hydrochloride or Mononitrate. This form is well-absorbed and effective for general B1 supplementation, supporting the stated goals of energy metabolism and neurological function. The brand, NOW, is highly reputable and has a long history of quality and transparency, contributing to its high review count, making it a trusted choice among consumers.
thumb_upPros
Reputable brand (NOW) known for quality and transparency.
Very high review count indicates strong customer satisfaction and trust.
Excellent price per serving makes it highly economical.
Standard effective dosage for general B1 supplementation.
thumb_downCons
Uses a basic water-soluble form which may not be as bioavailable as fat-soluble benfotiamine for certain specific neurological applications.
Does not offer sustained release, meaning the body might excrete excess relatively quickly.
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$5.09($0.05 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 5.09
Daily Vita
$ 5.20
Pure Formulas
$ 5.35
iHerb
$ 5.50
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boltEffectiveness for goals
What is thiamin effective for in the body?
Thiamin, also known as Vitamin B1, is crucial for converting carbohydrates into energy and plays a vital role in metabolism. It supports the healthy function of the nervous system, muscles, and heart. Maintaining adequate thiamin levels is essential for overall cellular function.
Can thiamin supplements help with thiamin deficiency?
Yes, thiamin supplements are highly effective in treating and preventing thiamin deficiency. Deficiency can result from inadequate dietary intake, excessive alcohol consumption, or certain medical conditions. Supplementation helps to restore normal thiamin levels and alleviate associated symptoms.
How effective is thiamin for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
High-dose thiamin administration is a critical and effective treatment for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), a severe neurological disorder often associated with chronic alcohol abuse and thiamin deficiency. Early and aggressive supplementation can prevent the progression of Wernicke's encephalopathy and may improve outcomes for Korsakoff's psychosis. It is often administered intravenously in clinical settings.
Is thiamin effective against beriberi?
Thiamin supplementation is the primary and highly effective treatment for beriberi, a disease caused by severe thiamin deficiency. It can reverse the various symptoms affecting the cardiovascular system (wet beriberi) and the nervous system (dry beriberi). Prompt treatment is crucial for recovery.
Is thiamin effective for diabetic neuropathy?
Some research suggests that certain forms of thiamin, such as benfotiamine, may be effective in managing symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. It is thought to work by influencing metabolic pathways and reducing oxidative stress, which contribute to nerve damage in individuals with diabetes. However, more large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
scheduleDosage, timing & forms
What is the recommended daily dosage of Thiamin for adults?
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for thiamin is 1.2 mg per day for adult men and 1.1 mg per day for adult women. These amounts are generally sufficient to prevent deficiency in healthy individuals. Higher dosages may be used under professional guidance for specific conditions.
Can Thiamin supplements be taken with food?
Yes, Thiamin supplements can generally be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help some individuals avoid mild stomach upset. Consistent intake, rather than meal timing, is often more critical for absorption.
Is there a maximum safe dosage for Thiamin?
No Upper Tolerable Intake Level (UL) has been established for Thiamin due to a lack of evidence of adverse effects from high intakes. Even at very high doses, Thiamin is generally considered safe because it is water-soluble and any excess is typically excreted in urine. However, extremely high doses should only be used under professional supervision.
What is the best time of day to take Thiamin?
There is no specific "best" time of day to take Thiamin, as its absorption is not significantly affected by morning or evening intake. Some individuals prefer to take B vitamins in the morning to align with the body's natural energy cycles. Consistency in taking the supplement at the same time each day is often more beneficial.
Are there different forms of Thiamin available in supplements?
Yes, Thiamin supplements are commonly available as thiamin hydrochloride and thiamin mononitrate, which are synthetic forms readily absorbed. Benfotiamine and sulbutiamine are also available, which are lipid-soluble derivatives sometimes used for specific purposes due to their enhanced bioavailability. The choice of form may depend on individual needs and professional recommendations.
health_and_safetySafety & interactions
How does alcohol consumption affect Thiamin levels and safety?
Chronic alcohol consumption can significantly impair Thiamin absorption and utilization, leading to a deficiency. Alcohol also increases the body's Thiamin requirements and its excretion. This interaction is a major cause of Thiamin deficiency in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Are there any medical conditions that affect Thiamin levels or its safety?
Conditions such as chronic alcoholism, bariatric surgery, certain malabsorption syndromes, and persistent vomiting can lead to Thiamin deficiency. While Thiamin supplementation is often critical in these cases, individuals with specific liver or kidney conditions should discuss supplement use with their healthcare provider. This ensures appropriate dosage and monitoring for any potential interactions.
Is Thiamin generally safe to take as a supplement?
Thiamin, or Vitamin B1, is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. High doses typically do not cause serious side effects because it is a water-soluble vitamin, and excess is usually excreted by the body. Allergic reactions are rare but can occur, especially with intravenous administration.
Can excessive Thiamin intake be harmful?
Thiamin is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning the body excretes excess amounts in urine. Consequently, there is no established Upper Limit (UL) for Thiamin, as no toxicity has been reported from oral intake. However, extremely high doses administered intravenously have rarely been associated with adverse effects.
Is Thiamin supplementation safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Thiamin is essential for fetal development and is considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals at recommended daily allowances. Higher doses might be prescribed by a healthcare provider for specific deficiencies. It is always advisable to discuss any new supplement use with a doctor during these periods.
As a pure Thiamin product, it provides a standard, effective dose from a highly reputable brand at a very competitive price. While it uses a common water-soluble form, its overall value proposition is strong within the Thiamin collection.
Thiamine is absolutely fundamental to metabolism, especially the conversion of carbohydrates into energy (glucose metabolism) through the Krebs cycle. It is directly involved in many critical metabolic pathways, making it essential for energy conversion.
Thiamine is a coenzyme crucial for carbohydrate metabolism, directly converting food into energy. Supplementation can help ensure efficient energy production, especially for those with insufficient dietary intake or increased demands.
Thiamine is essential for nerve function and neurotransmitter synthesis, directly supporting healthy brain function. Adequate levels are vital for cognitive processes and preventing neurological issues due to its role in glucose metabolism in the brain.
Recommended Alternatives
88 Value
B-50
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(33178 ratings)
While a B-complex, it provides 50mg of Thiamine from a trusted brand over 250 servings, offering a low price per serving and comprehensive B vitamin support, which is often more beneficial than isolated B1 for overall health.
This product offers a significantly higher dose of Thiamine (500mg) for its price per serving, providing potent support for those needing higher therapeutic levels of B1 in a reliable form from a premium brand.
This B-complex provides 100mg of Thiamine per serving along with a full spectrum of other high-potency B vitamins from a premium brand, offering extensive nutritional support over a very generous 250 servings for excellent long-term value.
This alternative contains Benfotiamine (250mg), a fat-soluble form of B1 with superior bioavailability, particularly beneficial for neurological support and cellular absorption, making it a more potent option for specific health goals.
Offering a higher 300mg dose of Benfotiamine, this product is known for its enhanced absorption and ability to penetrate cell membranes more effectively than water-soluble thiamine, providing potentially greater benefits for nerve and metabolic health.
This alternative provides 300mg of highly bioavailable Benfotiamine from a well-respected brand, making it a strong choice for those seeking superior absorption and efficacy for targeted neurological and metabolic support.
This alternative offers the same 100mg dose of Thiamine Hydrochloride at a significantly lower price per serving and total cost, making it a very economical choice for basic B1 supplementation.
While the total price is higher upfront, its price per serving is only slightly above the original, and it offers 250 servings, providing excellent long-term value for a consistent 100mg dose of Vitamin B1.
Although slightly higher in price per serving than the original, this product provides 15mg of Thiamine along with other B vitamins and Vitamin C, offering broader nutritional support at a very competitive price point.
While a B-complex, it provides 50mg of Thiamine from a trusted brand over 250 servings, offering a low price per serving and comprehensive B vitamin support, which is often more beneficial than isolated B1 for overall health.
This product offers a significantly higher dose of Thiamine (500mg) for its price per serving, providing potent support for those needing higher therapeutic levels of B1 in a reliable form from a premium brand.
This B-complex provides 100mg of Thiamine per serving along with a full spectrum of other high-potency B vitamins from a premium brand, offering extensive nutritional support over a very generous 250 servings for excellent long-term value.
This alternative contains Benfotiamine (250mg), a fat-soluble form of B1 with superior bioavailability, particularly beneficial for neurological support and cellular absorption, making it a more potent option for specific health goals.
Offering a higher 300mg dose of Benfotiamine, this product is known for its enhanced absorption and ability to penetrate cell membranes more effectively than water-soluble thiamine, providing potentially greater benefits for nerve and metabolic health.
This alternative provides 300mg of highly bioavailable Benfotiamine from a well-respected brand, making it a strong choice for those seeking superior absorption and efficacy for targeted neurological and metabolic support.