Thiamin; also known as aneurin. RDA 1.5/1.1 mg; therapeutic 50-3000 mg. Destroyed by heat, sugar, alcohol, smoking. Deficiency may arise from lack of gastric acid.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS Poor circulation with cold hands and feet; edema (fluid retention); tongue furrowed; underactive thyroid; fatigue, depression, insomnia, anxiety, over-sensitivity to pain and noise, nausea, poor memory, apathy, debility, weight loss; muscles weak and painful, especially the legs, starting with numb, burning feet, later affecting calves and thighs, may result in paralysis. Severe gastrointestinal disturbances. Tachycardia (fast pulse) and dyspnoea (breathlessness) on exertion, brachycardia (slow pulse) at rest; enlarged and weak heart. Mental illness, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, hypoglycemia, allergies, addictions - drugs, alcohol. Severe deficiency known as beriberi.
BEST SOURCES Food yeast, rice bran, wheatgerm, sunflower and sesame seeds, peanuts,millet, grains.
Vitamin B15 (Pangamic Acid)
Occurs in seeds, grains and nuts; it protects against oxygen deficiencies (similar to vitamin E). It has been successfully used in the treatment of alcoholism, allergies, arthritis; autism, breathing problems such as asthma and emphysema, diabetes and hypoglycemia, heart problems (cardiovascular diseases), and premature aging. The usual therapeutic dose is 50-100 mg two or three times daily.
Chromium (Cr)
Active as trivalent chromium; its biological value differs greatly in various foods. Aim for 100 mcg of high bio-value, supplements as glucose-tolerance factor or chelated chromium.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS Poor blood-sugar regulation (diabetes, hypoglycemia); disturbed fat/protein metabolism, alcohol intolerance, impaired growth, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, weight loss, fatigue, eye problems (opaque cornea, near-sightedness, glaucoma).
SOURCES Brewers' yeast, molasses, mushrooms, seafood, grains.