If you’ve stumbled across the word ‘thiamine’ before and know what it means, hats off to you. But if not, don’t worry! We recognise that it’s hardly a term in everyday conversation. That being said, it is, in fact, a rather important vitamin that comes from a lot of the foods we eat, and it plays a critical role in helping the body to function properly.

So, let’s go into more detail and find out exactly what it is and why it’s important for your child’s health.

What is thiamine?

Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential micronutrient that we must get from the foods we eat because it can not be made by the body alone. The thiamine found in yeast, legumes, rice, pork, cereals, dairy products, and most fruits helps the body to turn food into energy for proper growth and development, keeps the immune system healthy, and plays a role in the functioning of cells.

So, what happens if my child isn’t getting enough thiamine?

Thiamine deficiency can lead to weight and appetite loss, memory loss, confusion, heart problems, and muscle weakness. Severe deficiency may cause a disease known as beriberi, which might sound sweet, but actually results in the added symptoms of tingling and numbness in the feet and hands, poor reflexes, and loss of muscle. However, beriberi is not common in developed countries.

So, how much thiamine does my child need?

It is unlikely that your child will come up against thiamine deficiency, but it is more common amongst those with diabetes or HIV/AIDS. The recommended daily dosages for children are as follows:

0.2 mg for babies under 6 months old.
0.3 mg for infants upwards of 7 months.
0.5 mg for children aged 1 to 3.
0.6 mg for children aged 4 to 7.
0.9 mg for children aged 9 to 13.
1.2 mg for teenage boys aged 14 to 18.
1.0 mg for teenage girls aged 14 to 18.

Generally speaking, your child will get more than enough thiamine from the foods they eat, but if you suspect they aren’t getting enough or feel a little unsure, don’t hesitate to contact your paediatrician. There are thiamine supplements for children with a vitamin B deficiency. Still, these should only be given to a child under the age of 12 if prescribed by a medical professional.

What is thiamine, and how much does my child need?

Thiamine helps the body convert carbs to energy. Unii shares how else it can help growing children.