vitamin B1 Thiamin; essential in energy‐yielding metabolism, especially carbohydrates, and for nerve conduction. Deficiency results in the disease beriberi—degeneration of the sensory nerves in the hands and feet, spreading through the limbs, with fluid retention and heart failure. Relatively acute deficiency, associated with alcohol abuse, results in central nervous system damage, the Wernicke‐Korsakoff syndrome.

Good sources are whole grain and enriched bread and cereals, meat (especially liver, kidney, and heart, and pork), yeast, potatoes, and peas; cooking losses can be as much as 50%.

vitamin B1 See THIAMINE.