Pharmacological Effects and Biochemical Role
In biological tissues, thiamine undergoes metabolic activation via phosphorylation, converting into thiamine diphosphate (cocarboxylase). In this form, the substance serves as a coenzyme in various enzymatic processes. A prime example of its function is participation in the decarboxylation of $\alpha$-keto acids, which is critical for carbohydrate metabolism.
The pharmacological profile of thiamine includes the following directions:
- Metabolic action: regulation of the metabolism of major nutrients — carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Neurotropic action: participation in the control and conduction of nerve excitation at synapses.
- Specific properties: manifestation of antineuritic and antioxidant effects.
Dosage Forms and Drug Variants
In pharmacological practice, the vitamin B1 group is represented by several medicinal compounds:
- Thiamine — the basic water-soluble substance.
- Benfotiamine — a fat-soluble analog of thiamine.
- Cocarboxylase — the ready-to-use coenzyme form of the drug.
- Monophosphothiamine — a phosphorylated form.
Drugs are administered enterally (via the gastrointestinal tract) or parenterally.
Deficiency Pathologies: Hypovitaminosis and Avitaminosis
Inadequate intake or absorption of vitamin B1 leads to severe metabolic disruptions and the accumulation of toxic intermediate metabolism products.
- Hypovitaminosis (partial deficiency):
- Neurological manifestations: polyneuritis of various locations, noticeable muscle weakness.
- Cardiac manifestations: myocardial dysfunction due to the accumulation of cardiotoxic metabolites.
- Avitaminosis (complete deficiency):
- Development of a specific disease — beriberi.
- Severe damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Profound pathological disorders of the cardiovascular system.
Sources of Intake and Clinical Indications
Vitamin B1 enters the body with food of plant and animal origin.
| Source Type | Carrier Products |
|---|---|
| Plant-based | Cereal and legume crops (whole grain bread, buckwheat, millet, oatmeal, unpolished rice, soy, peas, broad beans, beans), potatoes, cabbage, yeast |
| Animal-based | Offal (liver), meat (pork, veal); contained in small amounts in dairy products |
Main indications for prescription:
- Treatment and prevention of vitamin B1 hypovitaminosis and avitaminosis.
- Cardiopathologies: myocardial dystrophy, cardiac rhythm disorders.
- Neurological pathologies: diseases of the central nervous system and peripheral nerves.
- Physiological states: periods of pregnancy and lactation.
- Increased stress: extreme organism states, heavy physical labor.