From the Research
Effect of Light on Thiamine and Vitamin B12
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is susceptible to degradation and depletion by various factors, including environmental chemicals 1.
- There is evidence that light, specifically ultraviolet (UV) light, can degrade vitamins B1 and B12 2.
- The photobiology of vitamins suggests that light exposure can modify genotype-phenotype relationships and influence health and well-being, including the degradation of certain vitamins like B1 and B12 2.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect thiamine metabolism, leading to increased fecal thiamin content and decreased thiamin levels in blood, sciatic nerve, liver, heart, and kidney 3.
Interactions between Vitamins and Light
- Vitamins A and D have well-established relationships with light exposure, while other vitamins like B1, B2, B12, and folate are vulnerable to UV light degradation 2.
- Carotenoids and vitamins C and E can act as antioxidants and natural sunscreens, protecting against UV light damage 2.
- Folate, carotenoids, and vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E play roles in UV-related genomic regulation, maintenance, and repair 2.
Clinical Relevance
- Thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamine have defined biochemical and pharmacological modes of action, offering opportunities for rational scientific approaches to treatment 4.
- High doses of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 may have analgesic effects, particularly in combination, although clinical data are limited 5.