The Hidden Cause of Anxiety and Fatigue: How to Recognize Vitamin B1 Deficiency

Anxiety, insomnia, constant fatigue and numbness of the fingers - these symptoms are often attributed to stress or fatigue. But they often hide a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). It is one of the key vitamins for the nervous system: it literally nourishes nerve cells and helps the body extract energy from food. Russian endocrinologist Olga Pavlova told what to do with vitamin B1 deficiency, writes sb.by.

According to Olga Pavlova, B1 deficiency can disguise itself as dozens of different conditions. She listed the main signs that are worth paying attention to:

- From the nervous system: anxiety, irritability, mood swings, tearfulness, sleep disorders, nightmares, decreased concentration and memory problems. Neurological manifestations: numbness, tingling, burning in the extremities (these are signs of peripheral neuropathy), change in gait and coordination. Common symptoms: weakness, rapid fatigue, muscle weakness, change in appetite. Skin manifestations: rashes, deterioration of the skin.

As explained by Olga Pavlova, to maintain the level of thiamine, it is useful to include in the diet: whole grains and unpolished rice, legumes (peas, beans, lentils), pork is one of the best meat sources of B1, nuts and seeds, beer yeast.

- It should be borne in mind that during prolonged heat treatment and storage, part of thiamine is destroyed. For example, in white rice and refined cereals, it is almost absent - that is why in some countries flour and cereals are specially enriched with B1.

In supplements and medicines, thiamine occurs in different forms, and they differ in digestibility and action:

Thiamine hydrochloride is a classic water-soluble form. It is less stable and worse penetrates the blood-brain barrier (for example, occurs in the composition of "Neuromultivitis"). Thiaminepyrophosphate (cocarboxylase) is an active coenzyme form. It is used in conditions with reduced energy metabolism: in chronic heart, hepatic or renal failure, diabetes, polyneuropathy. This form better supports liver detoxification function compared to baseline. Sulbutiamine is a lipophilic synthetic analogue (for example, Enerion and analogues). It penetrates well into the brain, is studied for its effect on the dopamine and GABA systems, as well as the antioxidant effect. It is often used to reduce fatigue and improve memory and adapt to stress. Allithiamine is a fat-soluble derivative originally isolated from garlic. It is distinguished by good digestibility, has a positive effect on memory and emotional background. Fursultiamine (TTFD) has been studied for polyneuropathy, fibromyalgia, and for improving energy metabolism and memory.

Also, Olga Pavlova told how to understand what you need B1:

- To assess the status of vitamin B1, an analysis of the level of B1 in venous blood (target is the upper third of the reference range) and an assessment of the totality of symptoms are used. The dose, form and duration of administration (usually the course is 1-3 months) is selected by the doctor taking into account the condition of the liver and kidneys. Self-administration of high doses is not recommended.

If you notice several symptoms from the list - do not guess, but consult a therapist or neurologist. Checking the level of B1 and a competent approach to correction of deficiency can significantly improve well-being.

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