Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin4 forms compared ↓
Also known as: Thiamine, Thiamin, Aneurin, Vitamin B1, vitamin-b1
A
Grade A💊 25-100 mg daily🎯 7 primary uses🔗 2 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
Levels upNutrition+50 pts
Overview
Thiamine is an essential B-vitamin that functions as a coenzyme in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Thiamine HCl is a stable, highly bioavailable form.
Primary Uses
Energy metabolismNerve functionCarbohydrate metabolismEnergy metabolism (carbohydrate and branched-chain amino acid oxidation)Nervous system function and myelin formationCognitive functionDeficiency prevention (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome)
Frequently Asked About Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
How much Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) should I take?
The typical effective range is 50-100 mg. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)?
With food. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) with food?
Yes.
What is the best form of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)?
Benfotiamine is generally the best-absorbed form (Fat-soluble synthetic thiamine derivative). Cheaper forms exist but often deliver less usable Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) per dose.
Does Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Loop diuretics deplete. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).
What does Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) pair well with?
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) stacks well with B-complex and Magnesium — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)?
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) should be avoided or used with caution by people with None. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Compare Forms
4 formsDifferent chemical forms vary in absorption, side effects, and best use cases. Higher bioavailability scores indicate better absorption.
Benfotiamine
HIGH 100Fat-soluble synthetic thiamine derivative
Best for:Diabetic neuropathyNerve healthBlood sugar support
💡 Excellent. 5x more bioavailable than thiamine HCl.
✅ Pros
- • Much better absorption
- • Fat-soluble
- • Nerve protective
- • Blood sugar support
⚠️ Cons
- • Synthetic
- • More expensive
📝 Best for therapeutic use, especially diabetic neuropathy
Sulbutiamine
HIGH 95Synthetic thiamine that crosses blood-brain barrier
Best for:Cognitive enhancementFatigueMood support
💡 Excellent. Crosses blood-brain barrier.
✅ Pros
- • Crosses BBB
- • Cognitive benefits
- • Mood/energy
⚠️ Cons
- • Synthetic
- • May cause tolerance
📝 Nootropic use - best for brain/mood
Thiamine HCl
GOOD 75Standard water-soluble thiamine
Best for:Basic supplementationBudget option
💡 Moderate. Limited by transport mechanisms.
✅ Pros
- • Inexpensive
- • Widely available
- • Safe
⚠️ Cons
- • Limited absorption at higher doses
📝 Common but benfotiamine better absorbed
Thiamine Mononitrate
GOOD 75Stable form used in food fortification
Best for:Food fortificationBasic supplementation
💡 Moderate
✅ Pros
- • Very stable
- • Inexpensive
⚠️ Cons
- • Limited absorption
📝 Same bioavailability as thiamine HCl
Dosage
Typical range
25-100 mg daily
Timing
With food
With food
Yes
Dose Tiers
RDA / DV
1.1-1.2 mg
Moderate
10-50 mg
Optimal
50-100 mg
Therapeutic
300-1,800 mg benfotiamine
Upper Limit
No established UL
Duration
Safe long-term
Special Populations
Alcoholics at high risk of deficiency
Research & Studies
Search the literature now
We haven’t curated landmark studies for Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)yet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.
Search Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) research
Mechanism of Action
- • Cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase
- • Essential for acetyl-CoA production
- • Supports nerve membrane function
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade A
Essential B vitamin
Safety & Contraindications
Serious Warnings
- • None at normal doses
Contraindications
- • None
Common Side Effects
- • Very safe
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Likely safe at normal doses - consult provider
Liver & Kidney Notes
Water-soluble, excreted
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • Loop diuretics deplete
🧪 Supplements
- • Works with B-complex
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
- • Alcohol depletes thiamine
Stacking & Synergies
Buying Guide
What to Look For
- • Benfotiamine for neuropathy
Standardization Markers
mg content
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
- • Benfotiamine better for diabetic neuropathy
- • Alcohol rapidly depletes
Tags
water-solubleenergynervous systemessentialB-vitaminenergy-metabolism
Top Products with Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Highest-scored catalog products containing Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), ranked by our scoring engine.
Craving and Stress SupportThorne96
MediClear-SGS™ - VanillaThorne95
Basic Nutrients 2/DayThorne93
Basic PrenatalThorne93
More in Vitamin
Other ingredients in the Vitamin category.
B-Complex (Energy Focus)
Essential coenzymes for energy metabolism. Methylated forms for optimal function.
Benfotiamine
Fat-soluble thiamine derivative with superior bioavailability. Particularly effective for diabetic neuropathy and AGE reduction.
Beta-Carotene
Provitamin A carotenoid converted to retinol as needed. Cannot cause toxicity. Provides independent antioxidant benefits.
Folate
Essential B vitamin for DNA synthesis, cell division, and methylation. Critical during pregnancy.
Methylfolate
Active form of folate for those with MTHFR variants. Critical for methylation and mood.
Multivitamin (Athletic Formula)
Broad-spectrum insurance for micronutrient gaps. Athletes may need more than RDA.
Last reviewed: August 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, August). Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/vitamin-b1
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.