Proper Name: Thiamine

Common Name: Vitamin B1

Evidence of Efficacy: statement to the effect of Thiamine deficiency or imbalance plays a role in the symptoms of mood disorders. Observational and experimental studies have shown an association between Thiamine and aggression¹, anxiety^2,3, ADHD^4,5, depression^{6,7,8,9,10,11}, and schizophrenia^12,13.

References:
 

1. Lonsdale D, Shamberger R. Red cell transketolase as an indicator of nutritional deficiency. Am J Clin Nutr 33(2):205-11, 1980.
2. Williams RD, Mason HL, Powers MH, et al. Induced thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency in man; relation of depletion of thiamine to development of biochemical defect and of polyneuropathy. Arch Intern Med 71:38-53, 1943.
3. Heseker H, Kubler W, Pudel V, Westenhoffer J. Phsychological disorders as early symptoms of a mild-moderate vitamin deficiency. Ann N Y Acad Sci 669:352-7, 1992.
4. Brenner A. The effects of megadoses of selected B complex vitamins on children with hyperkinesis: Controlled studies with long-term follow-up. J Learn Disabil 15(5):258-64, 1982.
5. Brenner A. Sugar and behavior. Maryland Med J 36(5):409-10, 1987.
6. Benton D, Haller J, Fordy J. Vitamin supplementation for 1 year improves mood. Neuropsychobiology 32(2):98-105, 1995.
7. Heseker H, Kubler W, Pudel V, Westenhoffer J. Psychological disorders as early symptoms of a mild-moderate vitamin deficiency. Ann N Y Acad Sci 669:352-7, 1992.
8. Brozek J. Psychologic effects of thiamine restriction and deprivation in normal young men. Am J Clin Nutr 5(2):109-20, 1957.
9. Benton D, Griffiths R, Haller J. Thiamine supplementation, mood and cognitive functioning. Psychopharmacology 129(1):66-71, 1997.
10. Benton D, Haller J, Fordy J. Vitamin supplementation for 1 year improves mood. Neuropsychobiology 32(2):98-105, 1995.
11. Smidt, LJ, Cremin FM, Grivetti LE, Clifford AJ. Influence of thiamin supplementation on the health and general well-being of an elderly Irish population with marginal thiamin deficiency. J Gerontol 46(1):M16-M22, 1991.
12. Sacks W et al. Acetazolamide and thiamine: An ancillary therapy for chronic mental illness. Psych Res 28:279-88, 1989.
13. Sacks W et al. Acetazolamide and thiamine (A+T): a preliminary report of an ancillary therapy for chronic mental illness. J Clin Psychopharmacol 8:70, 1988