Vitamin B1 (thiamin)

Energy metabolism from carbohydrate and normal nerve function.

Swiss reference value

Switzerland age 18–65: 0.1 mg per MJ of energy intake.

Good food sources

Whole grains, legumes, pork, seeds, nuts and fortified foods.

When intake or status is low

Early fatigue, irritability and weakness; severe deficiency causes beriberi or Wernicke encephalopathy with neurological and cardiac signs.

Long-term health connections

Untreated severe deficiency can cause permanent brain injury or heart failure.

Skin, hair and nails

No specific hair or nail signs; confusion, gait or eye-movement abnormalities are urgent.

Who is more at risk

Chronic heavy alcohol use, severe malnutrition, bariatric surgery, persistent vomiting and refeeding.

How to assess it

In high-risk settings, clinical action matters more than waiting for a single test.

Supplements: when to consider

Food first; treat medically and promptly in high-risk or emergency settings.

Too much and safety

Low toxicity from food and usual doses; no added benefit without need.

International reference systems