Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in whole grains, pork, beef, peas, lentils and brown rice. Refined foods, particularly white rice and white flour, have substantially reduced levels of Vitamin B1, whilst over-cooking depletes thiamin levels in food.
Vitamin B1 is mainly found in skeletal muscle, brain, heart muscle, kidney and liver. It plays a crucial part in energy release from food and carbohydrate metabolism and because it cannot be stored in the body a regular amount is required from the diet to maintain health. As a consequence, those with high carbohydrate intakes including sugar, require higher levels of Vitamin B1.
Vitamin B1 is also reputed to deter biting insects, and is often chosen by people who are travelling in countries where insects are a problem.
