From the Research
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) can be taken at any time of day, but it's often recommended to take it with a meal to enhance absorption and reduce the risk of stomach upset. When considering the optimal timing for thiamine intake, it's essential to prioritize its absorption and potential impact on daily activities.
- Morning or midday is generally a good time for most people, as taking it in the evening might cause sleep disturbances for some individuals due to its energy-supporting properties 1.
- The standard adult dosage ranges from 1-100 mg daily, depending on your specific needs and whether you're taking it for general health maintenance or to address a deficiency 2.
- If you're taking multiple B vitamins, consider a B-complex supplement that provides balanced amounts of all B vitamins, as they work synergistically in the body 3.
- Vitamin B1 is water-soluble, meaning your body doesn't store excess amounts, so consistent daily intake is important 4.
- If you're taking medications, check with your healthcare provider about potential interactions, particularly if you're on diuretics or certain antibiotics which may affect thiamine levels 5. It's crucial to note that thiamine deficiency can lead to severe health complications, such as Wernicke's encephalopathy or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, especially in individuals with alcohol dependence or malnutrition 2, 1.
- Therefore, early supplementation of thiamine is vital to avoid irreversible neurological damage 5.
- In patients at high risk of thiamine deficiency, parenteral thiamine 250-500mg/day should be given for 3-5 days, followed by oral thiamine 250-300mg/day 2.