Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is an essential vitamin — a water-soluble B vitamin involved in carbohydrate metabolism and energy-related enzyme activity. 39 peer-reviewed studies are available in our database. Common forms include Thiamine HCl, Thiamine Mononitrate, Benfotiamine.
Content reviewed by ZYNAVA Research Team · Last updated February 2026 · Editorial policy
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What Is Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)?
A water-soluble B vitamin involved in carbohydrate metabolism and energy-related enzyme activity.
Key fact: Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble thiamine derivative.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Supplement Forms
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is available in several supplemental forms: Thiamine HCl, Thiamine Mononitrate, Benfotiamine. Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble thiamine derivative.
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Use our research tool to explore vitamin b1 (thiamine) supplements and see what studies have examined.
Research Studies on Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Our database contains 39 peer-reviewed studies examining vitamin b1 (thiamine). Below are selected recent studies:
Related Supplements
Natural Food Sources of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Before considering supplementation, it is worth exploring dietary sources of vitamin b1 (thiamine). Whole foods provide nutrients in their natural matrix alongside fiber, enzymes, and other beneficial compounds that can enhance absorption and utilization.
- Pork — One of the richest natural sources, with a 3 oz serving providing about 50% of the daily value
- Sunflower seeds — A quarter cup provides approximately 40% of the daily value
- Black beans — A cup of cooked black beans provides about 25% of the daily value
- Lentils — A good plant-based source with about 20% of the daily value per cup
- Whole grain bread — Many whole grains are naturally rich in thiamine
Dietary Context
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a water-soluble vitamin found in a variety of whole foods. It plays a key role in energy metabolism and nerve function. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, the body stores very little B1, making regular dietary intake important.
Absorption: Food vs. Supplements
Thiamine is sensitive to heat and alkaline conditions. Cooking at high temperatures or in large amounts of water can reduce B1 content. Whole grains retain more thiamine than refined grains, which have the nutrient-rich bran removed.
Practical Tips
- Choose whole grains over refined grains to preserve natural B1 content
- Steam or microwave vegetables rather than boiling to retain more thiamine
- Alcohol can impair thiamine absorption and increase requirements
How to Take Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Getting the most from vitamin b1 (thiamine) supplementation involves more than just choosing the right product. When and how you take it can significantly affect absorption and effectiveness.
Best time to take: Morning with or without food
With or Without Food
Thiamine can be taken with or without food. As a water-soluble vitamin, it does not require fat for absorption. Taking with food may reduce mild stomach upset.
How Often
Once daily. Benfotiamine (a fat-soluble derivative) may be taken with a fat-containing meal for better absorption.
Practical Tips
- Morning dosing is preferred as B vitamins support energy metabolism
- Benfotiamine has higher bioavailability than standard thiamine HCl
- Coffee and tea (tannins) may reduce thiamine absorption if consumed at the same time
Important Interactions
- Diuretics (especially loop diuretics) increase thiamine excretion — supplementation may be warranted
- Alcohol significantly impairs thiamine absorption and metabolism
- Generally very safe even at higher doses — excess is excreted in urine
This is not an exhaustive list of interactions. Always consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential interactions with your specific medications and health conditions.
Where to Find Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Supplements
If you are considering vitamin b1 (thiamine) supplementation, choosing a quality product from a reputable retailer is an important step. Here are some trusted options where you can browse and compare vitamin b1 (thiamine) supplements.
How to Choose a Quality Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Supplement
- Verify the expiration date and that the product is stored appropriately
- Research the brand — established companies with transparent testing are generally more reliable
- Consider subscription options for supplements you plan to take long-term — many retailers offer discounts
- Check the other ingredients list for potential allergens (soy, gluten, dairy, nuts)
To explore supplements by ingredient or health goal, try our AI Supplement Advisor.
Research Highlights: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Our database includes 3 meta-analysiss, 3 systematic reviews examining vitamin b1 (thiamine), published between 2020 to 2025. Below are selected findings that illustrate the current state of research. These summaries are educational — not clinical recommendations — and individual outcomes may vary.
Effects of Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Depressive Symptoms, and Fatigue: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of Vitamin B12 supplementation. Found no evidence for an effect of B12 alone or B complex supplementation on any subdomain of cognitive function outcomes in the general population. Also found no overall effect of vitamin supplementation on measures of depression.
Source: View full study on Nutrients
Efficacy of different routes of vitamin B12 supplementation for the treatment of patients with vitamin B12 deficiency: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
A systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing oral, intramuscular (IM), and sublingual (SL) routes for Vitamin B12 supplementation. Concluded that all three routes can effectively increase Vitamin B12 levels without statistically significant differences between them. The IM route was the top-ranked statistically for increasing B12 levels, but the difference was not clinically significant.
Source: View full study on Ir J Med Sci
B12 as a Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review
A systematic review on the use of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) for peripheral neuropathic pain, even in the absence of B12 deficiency. Found evidence for the therapeutic effect of B12 in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia and painful peripheral neuropathy. B12 is thought to alleviate pain by promoting myelination, increasing nerve regeneration, and decreasing ectopic nerve firing.
Source: View full study on Nutrients
The efficacy of vitamin B12 supplementation for treating vitamin B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy in metformin-treated type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review
A systematic review focusing on metformin-treated Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. Metformin-treated T2DM patients are at higher risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency and neuropathy. Vitamin B12 supplementation increases serum levels and improves neuropathy symptoms, and should be included in treatment guidelines.
Source: View full study on Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews
Association between neuropathy and B-vitamins: A systematic review and meta-analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between peripheral neuropathy (PN) and B-vitamins. PN was significantly associated with lowered B12 levels and elevated methylmalonic acid and homocysteine (biomarkers of B12 deficiency). B12 treatment showed a non-significant association with symptom improvement, suggesting the need for more robust trials.
The Neurological Sequelae of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Systematic Review and Randomized Controlled Trial
A systematic review of RCTs on the neurological effects of B12 supplementation. Supplementation is effective for patients with overt clinical deficiency (peripheral neuropathy, cognitive decline, myelopathy). Oral therapy showed similar efficacy to intramuscular injections, with better tolerability and lower cost. Limited neurological benefit was found in older adults with subclinical deficiency.
Source: View full study on Cureus
The research summaries above are based on published peer-reviewed studies and are provided for informational purposes only. Study findings may not apply to all individuals, and the presence of a study summary does not constitute an endorsement of vitamin b1 (thiamine) for any specific health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions based on research findings.
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