Thiamin (thiamine), vitamin B1

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

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Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Rare hypersensitivity/allergic reactions have occurred with thiamin supplementation. A small number of life-threatening anaphylactic reactions have been observed with large parenteral (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous) doses of thiamin, generally after multiple doses.

Skin irritation, burning, or itching may rarely occur at injection sites.

Contact dermatitis may occur with occupational exposure and may cause sensitization and lead to dermatitis-type reactions after subsequent oral or injected administrations.

Side Effects and Warnings

Thiamin is generally considered safe and relatively nontoxic, even at high doses. No clear tolerable upper level (UL) of intake has been established. Dermatitis or more serious hypersensitivity reactions occur rarely.

Large doses may cause drowsiness or muscle relaxation.

Injections of thiamin may cause burning. Reactions can often be avoided by slow administration into larger veins.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Pregnancy Category: C.

NS_patient-thiamin

Portions of this document last updated:

Sept. 1, 2009

THIS EVIDENCE-BASED MONOGRAPH WAS PREPARED BY
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)


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