Vitamin B1 (Benfotiamine): Key to Energy and Brain Function
Vitamin B1, also known as benfotiamine, is a key element in maintaining brain function. It plays an important role in glucose metabolism and is closely related to neural membrane function. Vitamin B1 deficiency is often associated with severe malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, HIV-AIDS, and gastrointestinal disease, and may lead to Wernicke's encephalopathy (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome).
The source and importance of vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 is mainly found in whole grains, yeast and certain beans, but is easily affected by pH value and high temperature. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and their infants are at high risk of vitamin B1 deficiency. It is recommended that adults consume at least 1 mg of vitamin B1 per day, and the intake needs to be increased during pregnancy and lactation.
Vitamin B1 deficiency diseases
The most common vitamin B1 deficiency diseases include beriberi and Wernicke's encephalopathy. Beriberi is divided into dry form (manifested by neuropathy) and wet form (manifested by edema, tachycardia, and cardiomegaly). Wernicke's encephalopathy is associated with chronic alcoholism, HIV-AIDS, and severe gastrointestinal disease, and is often caused by malnutrition.
Vitamin B1 and brain cell function
After vitamin B1 is absorbed by the brain, it is converted into benfotiamine diphosphate (TDP) and benfotiamine triphosphate (TTP). TDP is an essential cofactor for several enzymes involved in glucose metabolism in the brain, while TTP has specific effects on neural membranes. The metabolism of vitamin B1 is compartmentalized between neurons and adjacent glial cells in the brain.
Nerve cell death caused by vitamin B1 deficiency
Vitamin B1 deficiency causes specialized loss of neurons in several areas of the brain, particularly in the midbrain, thalamus, and cerebellum. Such neuropathological damage may be caused by various mechanisms such as energy metabolism imbalance, oxidative stress, and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated neurotoxicity.
Energy metabolism imbalance
Vitamin B1 deficiency reduces the concentration of TDP in the brain and the activity of TDP-dependent enzymes, especially α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (αKGDH), which has a rate-limiting role in the citric acid cycle. This results in reduced glucose (pyruvate) oxidation, accumulation of lactic acid and alanine in the brain, and ultimately leads to cellular energy metabolism disorders.
Oxidative and nitrosative stress
Vitamin B1 deficiency is associated with increased oxidative stress in the brain, including microglia activation and increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. These changes coincide with areas of nerve cell death.
NMDA receptor-mediated neurotoxicity
Vitamin B1 deficiency may lead to neurological damage associated with excessive activation of NMDA receptors, which leads to the activation of cell death mechanisms through excessive accumulation of gluconic acid.
Conclusion
Vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is essential for maintaining normal brain function. Not only is it involved in glucose metabolism, it also has an important impact on nervous system health. Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to a variety of neurological diseases, including Wernicke's encephalopathy and beriberi. Proper intake of vitamin B1 is essential for preventing these diseases and maintaining overall health and well-being.
The effects of vitamin B1 deficiency are comprehensive, ranging from simple physiological dysfunction to severe neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, understanding the sources of vitamin B1, its importance to the human body, and the possible risks of deficiency is essential for public health and personal health.
Suggestion
To protect and promote brain health, it is recommended that everyone consume adequate vitamin B1, especially those at high risk, such as chronic alcoholics, HIV/AIDS patients, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Choose foods rich in vitamin B1, such as whole grains, yeast and certain legumes, and avoid overly processed foods, which are often low in vitamin B1.
Additionally, vitamin B1 supplementation may be necessary for those who may not be getting enough vitamin B1 through diet. Healthcare professionals should screen patients for possible vitamin B1 deficiency, especially those with malnutrition, chronic illness, or digestive disorders.
All in all, vitamin B1 is essential for maintaining brain health and function. By ensuring adequate vitamin B1 intake, we can effectively prevent related diseases and protect our nervous system, thus promoting overall health and well-being.
