Thiamine acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the Krebs cycle and cellular respiration process, which affects the production of energy necessary for cell function. It also participates in the conduction of nerve impulses and supports the functioning of the nervous system.
Vitamin B1 requirements in children and adolescents
The daily requirement for thiamine in young children (for the first 3 years of life) is 0.4 mg and gradually increases to 0.5 mg at the age of 4-6 years and 0.7 mg at the age of 7-9 years. In boys and girls aged 10-12 years the requirement for vitamin B1 is 0.9 and 0.8 mg respectively and in the age group 13-18 years it is 1 mg and 0.9 mg.
Vitamin B1 requirement in adults
Daily requirements throughout adult life are 1.1 mg (for men) and 0.9 mg for women. In pregnant and breastfeeding women, thiamine requirements increase to 1.2 and 1.3 mg, respectively.
Recommended intake of vitamin B1 - children and adolescents
For children, the recommended intake increases gradually with age. For the first 3 years of life, children should take 0.5 mg of thiamine per day, at the age of 4-6 the recommended intake is 0.6 mg, and at the age of 7-9 0.9 mg. The recommended intake for boys and girls aged 10-12 is 1 mg, and in the teenage period (13-18 years) it ranges from 1.1 mg (for girls) to 1.2 mg (for boys).
Recommended intake of vitamin B1 - adults
The recommended daily intake of vitamin B1 varies depending on age, gender, and physiological condition. For adult men, it is 1.3 mg per day and for women 1.1 mg. During pregnancy, the recommended intake increases to 1.4 mg, and for breastfeeding women to 1.5 mg per day.
Occurrence of vitamin B1 in food
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is found in a variety of foods. The best sources of thiamine are pork, especially pork loin and shoulder, as well as whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Thiamine is, however, sensitive to high temperatures, which causes losses during cooking or processing of food.
