Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a cofactor for the rate-limiting enzyme of glucose metabolism, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and its primary physiological role is to ensure the complete oxidative metabolism of glucose, thereby minimizing the production of lactic acid and maximizing the production of carbon dioxide (CO2). 3 Ray Peat emphasized that thiamine works directly with the respiratory enzymes, and that a deficiency shifts metabolism away from oxidation toward an inflammatory state. 2 Georgi Dinkov has elaborated that without sufficient B1, pyruvate is instead converted to lactate in a process known as the Warburg effect, creating a reductive, inflammatory state that produces far less ATP. 11

The therapeutic administration of thiamine, in doses ranging from 100 mg to 300 mg daily, has been shown to lower lactic acid, stimulate its oxidation, and increase CO2 production, which shifts the organism away from inflammation. 2 Peat noted that this effect is so rapid that one can often feel an effect from B1 within the first hour. 4 Dinkov has pointed out that this mechanism is relevant to performance enhancement, as suppressing the rise of lactic acid during exertion increases physical output, and that even plain thiamine hydrochloride is effective for this purpose. 10 The vitamin is also crucial for two other enzymes: alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH) in the TCA cycle, and it acts as a known carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which further raises CO2 levels to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-serotonin, and anti-estrogen effects. 11

A deficiency of thiamine, which can be caused by stress, alcohol, or electromagnetic radiation, leads to a buildup of pyruvate and its conversion to lactate, a state implicated in a wide range of degenerative conditions. 2 Dinkov has cited research demonstrating that intracellular deficiencies of B1 in the brain are a core feature of conditions like Huntington's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease, even when blood levels appear normal. 2 For neurological conditions, lipophilic analogs of B1 such as allithiamine (TTFD) or benfotiamine are often used because they reliably raise brain levels of the active cofactor thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), whereas regular thiamine salts often do not. 2 Dinkov has reported that these lipophilic forms robustly increase dopamine release in the brain, enhancing wakefulness and physical activity, and that a human-equivalent dose of 100 mg of TTFD daily can replicate these effects. 7

Beyond the nervous system, thiamine's role in oxidative metabolism has direct implications for digestion and heart function. Dinkov has highlighted studies showing that thiamine improves gut motility and relieves constipation by increasing CO2 levels in the GI tract, which reduces the absorption of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and systemic endotoxemia. 2 A large genetic study confirmed that thiamine metabolism is a key determinant of stool frequency and IBS risk, with the mechanism being the bioenergetic role of B1 in supporting oxidative metabolism. 11 Furthermore, a relatively low dose of 200 mg of thiamine daily for several months has been shown to partially reverse heart muscle damage caused by chronic alcohol abuse. 2 Peat also noted that dark roast coffee can be a significant dietary source, with one or two cups providing the minimum daily requirement of vitamin B1. 6