thiamine

Thiamine is important for helping you turn the food you eat into energy, which keeps your cells healthy and your body working properly. If you have low Thiamine levels, you can experience serious medical problems, such as trouble thinking clearly, nerve problems, and heart problems.

Check with your provider before starting any Thiamine supplements. Most people don't typically need a Thiamine supplement because they already get enough Thiamine from foods, such as whole grains, meat, fish, beans, and seeds. But if you do take in more Thiamine than the recommended daily amount, research suggests you're probably not going to experience toxicity, even with high doses. Your body will just get rid of any extra Thiamine you don't need through the urine because it's a water-soluble vitamin.

Yes, Thiamine is available as an injection by prescription. It's given through the veins (intravenous or IV) by a healthcare provider. It's typically used for people who can't take Thiamine by mouth (e.g., people receiving parenteral nutrition) or for people with severely low thiamine levels who need to raise their levels quickly to prevent serious medical conditions, including people with alcohol withdrawal.

Both Thiamine and vitamin B complex are supplements that are available over-the-counter and can be taken by mouth. The main difference is that Thiamine only contains one vitamin, whereas vitamin B complex contains multiple B vitamins. Ask your provider which supplement is best for you.