Insight into your vitamin B1level.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is needed for energy metabolism and nerve function. A test gives insight into your vitamin B1 level in the blood.
Also known as: thiamine, B1
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
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Background
What is vitamin B1?
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is a water-soluble B vitamin. The body uses thiamine as a cofactor in converting carbohydrates into energy. This makes B1 particularly important for tissues with a high energy demand, such as the brain, the nerves, the heart, and the muscles. Because the vitamin is water-soluble, the body stores little of it and a regular supply from the diet is needed.
A deficiency is uncommon in the Netherlands, but the risk is increased with excessive alcohol use, after bariatric surgery (stomach reduction), and with a prolonged one-sided diet. Alcohol reduces both the absorption and the utilisation of thiamine by the body. Complaints associated with a deficiency include fatigue, irritability, memory and concentration problems, and nerve complaints in the arms and legs. A single measurement is not a diagnosis. Our doctor places the result in your context.
In brief
Thiamine
The other name for vitamin B1
Energy metabolism
Cofactor in converting carbohydrates
Nerve function
Important for brain and nerves
Limited storage
Water-soluble, so a regular supply is needed
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your Vitamin B1 be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring Vitamin B1 can provide insight.
Insight into your status
A test gives a snapshot of your vitamin B1 level in the blood.
With regular or excessive alcohol use
Alcohol reduces the absorption and utilisation of thiamine. This is one of the best-known risk factors for a deficiency.
After bariatric surgery
After a stomach reduction, the absorption of nutrients is altered. B1 is one of the vitamins that then receives extra attention.
With a prolonged one-sided diet
Those who eat a limited or one-sided diet over a long period may take in less thiamine than usual.
With fatigue or concentration problems
Thiamine plays a role in energy metabolism. With persistent fatigue, the level can form part of a broader investigation.
Tracking the effect of supplementation
If you take thiamine supplements, you can test whether this has influenced your blood level.
What your result means
How do we read your Vitamin B1 level?
Vitamin B1 is measured in nanomoles per litre (nmol/L). The laboratory supplies the reference ranges, and our doctor interprets your result in your personal context.
A low value
A low vitamin B1 level may indicate insufficient intake, reduced absorption, or an increased requirement. Known risk factors are excessive alcohol use, previous bariatric surgery, and a prolonged one-sided diet. Prolonged vomiting or severe malnutrition can also play a role. Replenishment through diet or supplementation is a common approach, in consultation with a doctor.
A normal value
A vitamin B1 level within the laboratory's reference ranges gives a reassuring picture for this marker. It is a snapshot. Complaints such as fatigue can also have another cause, and a single measurement is not a diagnosis.
An elevated value
An elevated vitamin B1 level is seen almost exclusively with the use of supplements. Thiamine is water-soluble, so with normal kidney function the body generally excretes any excess in the urine. An elevated value is usually not a cause for concern. Our doctor provides explanation and context for your result.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your vitamin B1 level against the laboratory's reference ranges and your personal context, your diet, alcohol use, medical history, and any complaints.
Related tests
Often combined with Vitamin B1.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine Vitamin B1 with a theme package or related markers.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for a vitamin B1 test?
No, you do not need to fast for a vitamin B1 measurement. If you combine the test with glucose or cholesterol, for example, the fasting instructions do apply to those tests.
Who is at greater risk of a vitamin B1 deficiency?
The risk is increased with excessive alcohol use, after bariatric surgery, with a prolonged one-sided diet, with severe vomiting, and with malnutrition.
Why does alcohol increase the risk of a deficiency?
Alcohol reduces both the absorption of thiamine in the gut and its utilisation in the body. In addition, excessive alcohol use often goes together with a less varied diet.
Which foods contain vitamin B1?
Thiamine is found in wholegrain cereal products, pork, legumes, nuts, seeds, potatoes, and vegetables, among others. Heavily processed and refined products generally contain less of it.
What is the difference between vitamin B1 and vitamin B12?
They are different B vitamins. B1 (thiamine) is mainly involved in converting carbohydrates into energy. B12 plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and in nerve function. A normal B12 level says nothing about your B1 level, which is why they are measured separately.
Can I get too much vitamin B1?
Thiamine is water-soluble. With normal kidney function, an excess is generally excreted in the urine. Accumulation, as with fat-soluble vitamins, does not apply here.
How often should I measure vitamin B1?
A single measurement is sufficient for initial insight. If your value was low previously, or a risk factor is present, re-testing after a few months is common.
What do I do with my result?
You will receive a PDF report with your value and an explanation from our doctor. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP or adjusting your diet, remains entirely your choice.
Ready for insight into your vitamin B1 level?
For €89 you receive your vitamin B1 level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within a few working days. No referral required.
Order Vitamin B1 for €79 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Vitamin B1 with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
79,-
All-in, blood draw included