Vitamin B1: Trying to conceive, pregnancy, PCOS

Vitamin B1:  For energy and brains

Vitamin B1, is usually not mentioned in the same breath as its cousin, folic acid which is well known for its importance in preventing spina bifida. However, thiamin is a key component in the normal metabolism which converts sugar, and carbohydrate into energy, and not just energy for running around. Our brains depend on glucose metabolism for energy, and thiamine pyrphosphate (TPP), is required for carbohydrate metabolism. 

What to watch out

Thiamine deficiency leads can cause beriberi, but deficiency of vitamin B1 is really rare. It is more of a problem if the main source of carbohydrate in your diet is processed, ie "polished" rice.

The most common cause of deficiency is alcohol abuse. If you have been a serious alcoholic, you might want to watch this!

Also, the wikipedia article there mentioned that people are normally encourages to take vitamin B complex supplements ( i.e. all the vitamin Bs), rather than a single vit B, because it can cause imbalance? I am not sure how much truth there is there. 

How much Vitamin B1 is needed?

Breast feeding and pregnant mums need about 1.4 mg per day.  

Because cereals are fortified, a typical 3/4 cup of cornflakes more have about 1.5mg - more than required!

Practical stuff:

1. No worries, unless you have been an alcoholic!
2. You need B1 for the normal development of nerves, heart and brains + energy!
3. This is a water soluble vitamin, ie not stored in the body. Need a consistent supply. Low risk of overdose, since it is not accumulated in the body.
4. Could not find anything related to PCOS, apart from those sites that try to sell you something :P.

More info: check out wikipedia, enter "thiamine"! Lots of info there.