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Thiamin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thiamin

[หˆฮธaษช.ษ™.mษชn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

nutritional science

Thiamin, also known as vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin that is crucial for carbohydrate metabolism. It plays a vital role in converting nutrients into energy and in the proper functioning of the nervous system. Thiamin is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and is important in maintaining healthy brain function. A deficiency in thiamin can lead to serious health issues, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and Beriberi. Foods high in thiamin include whole grains, pork, and legumes.

Synonyms

aneurin, vitamin B1.

Examples of usage

  • Consuming thiamin-rich foods helps maintain energy levels.
  • Thiamin deficiency can cause neurological problems.
  • Most people get enough thiamin from their diet.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Thiamin is crucial for metabolism, helping convert carbohydrates into energy efficiently.
  • A deficiency in thiamin can lead to serious health issues, including beriberi, which affects the heart and nervous system.
  • It is often found in whole grains, legumes, and fortified foods, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet.

History

  • In the 19th century, sailors suffered from diseases due to lack of this vitamin, leading to research on the health benefits of various foods.
  • Thiaminโ€™s discovery helped revolutionize nutritional science and dietary guidelines to prevent deficiencies in populations.

Nutrition

  • Thiamin is water-soluble, which means it can dissolve in water and needs to be consumed regularly in our diet.
  • Cooking methods can affect thiamin levels in foods; for example, boiling can lead to significant losses in this vitamin.

Cultural Importance

  • In certain cultures, traditional foods rich in thiamin, like rice and beans, form the backbone of staple diets.
  • The appreciation of thiamin has led to public health campaigns promoting the consumption of fortified products among vulnerable populations.

Origin of 'thiamin'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'thiamin' comes from the Greek word 'thio-', meaning sulfur, and 'amin', which refers to the amino group in its chemical structure.
  • It was first discovered in the early 20th century when researchers identified it in rice bran and yeast.

The term 'thiamin' was coined from the word 'thio' referring to sulfur and 'amine', a chemical group. It was first discovered in 1910 by the Japanese scientist K. S. Takaki, who noted its necessity for preventing beriberi, a disease common among populations with a rice-heavy diet. The compound was isolated and identified by researchers, including Frederick Gowland Hopkins and Elmer McCollum, who contributed to the understanding of vitamins in nutrition. In the 1930s, the structure of thiamin was elucidated, allowing for synthetic versions to be developed. This made it easier to supplement diets low in this nutrient and led to its use in food fortification programs to combat deficiency diseases globally.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,524, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.