Does Vitamin B1 Help with Anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion we all experience - whether it's due to a significant decision or an upcoming event. It can manifest in various forms, such as increased heart rate, shallow breathing, or racing thoughts. 

Several factors, including genetics, environmental influences, and personal experiences, contribute to the development of anxiety. In some cases, anxiety becomes a chronic issue, impacting daily life and making even simple tasks a challenge.

In search of remedies, more and more individuals are exploring the potential benefits of vitamins and minerals for mental health. Among the various vitamins, vitamin B1 (thiamin) has recently gained attention for its potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety. 

But does vitamin B1 help with anxiety? Read on to find out!

Key Takeaways

• Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin and an essential nutrient for human health.
• Vitamin B1 helps the body convert food into energy, support metabolism, and maintain a healthy nervous system.
• Studies have shown that vitamin B1 may help reduce anxiety levels, as it helps maintain the health of the nerves and brain cells responsible for emotional regulation.
• Vitamin B1 can be found in many foods, such as pork, fish, eggs, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and some fruits and vegetables.

What is Vitamin B1?

Vitamin B1 (thiamin) is part of the B complex family and is a water-soluble vitamin. It keeps energy levels up by helping the body break down carbohydrates into glucose - which cells use for fuel. It also plays a role in nerve and muscle functions, including optimal brain health.

It's found in foods such as legumes, nuts, fortified cereals, pork, organ meats (like liver), some fruits and vegetables (such as oranges and spinach), enriched pasta and bread, and brewer’s yeast.

What is Vitamin B1 Good for?

Vitamin B1 comes with a myriad of potential benefits, including:

Promoting Cognitive Health

There is some evidence that thiamine might play a role in maintaining cognitive function. Studies suggest that people with cognitive decline often have lower thiamine levels, and animal research has shown that thiamine deficiency can lead to cognitive impairment.

Promotes Eye Health

Cataracts is a condition that causes the clouding of the lens in the eye. It is most common among older adults, and the risk increases with age. Vitamin B1 may reduce the risk of cataracts, as some evidence suggests that taking this vitamin regularly may slow the development of this condition. 

This could be because vitamin B1 may help increase antioxidant levels, which can combat oxidative damage from free radicals that contribute to cataract formation.

Promotes Kidney Health

Research suggests that taking vitamin B1 on a regular basis may reduce the risk of developing issues in your kidney. This could be because vitamin B1 helps to regulate glucose levels, thus reducing oxidative stress and damage in the blood vessels of the kidneys.

Does Vitamin B1 Help with Anxiety?

Research shows that vitamin B1 plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy nervous system and improving the body's ability to withstand stress, which is often considered helpful in managing anxiety.

The link between B1 and anxiety, while not entirely direct, comes primarily from the vitamin's role in energy metabolism and nerve function. B1 is necessary for the body to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which every cell of the body uses for energy.

A deficiency in thiamine can lead to problems like irritability, decreased attention span, and emotional disturbances, which can indirectly contribute to feelings of anxiety.

Further, research shows that thiamine is crucial for the functioning of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin and GABA, both of which play a significant role in regulating mood and promoting relaxation. GABA, in particular, is known to have a calming effect on the brain's functions, potentially reducing feelings of anxiety.

If you're considering taking B1 or any other supplements for anxiety, it's best to speak with a healthcare provider first. It is crucial to ensure the supplement won't interfere with any medications you're currently taking and that you're taking a safe dosage.

What Vitamins are Good for Anxiety?

Apart from vitamin B1, below are other vitamins good for anxiety:

Vitamin C

According to research, a deficiency in vitamin C may be linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin that helps form collagen in the skin, fight off infections and support better immune system functioning. Taking vitamin C daily may help reduce stress hormones and improve mood.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

There's evidence that vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) works as an anxiolytic that may help you keep anxious thoughts at bay. Pyridoxine helps the body produce serotonin and GABA, two neurotransmitters that play a role in regulating mood and anxiety.

Vitamin B6 is found naturally in foods like legumes, nuts, bananas, potatoes, meat, and fish. You can also find supplement forms of vitamin B6.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin)

Both vitamin B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin) have been shown to have the potential to help promote a calmer mind. Folic acid helps the body produce serotonin, which has been linked to reduced anxiety levels. B12 helps with nerve cell regeneration and improves mood.

You can find these vitamins in dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, eggs, meat, fish, dairy products, and fortified grains. Supplements are also available for those who cannot get enough of these vitamins in their diet.

Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

Research has found that supplementing with vitamin B3 (niacinamide) may promote a calmer mood. Niacinamide helps the body produce energy and may reduce stress-induced cortisol levels. You can find niacin in food sources like mushrooms, fish, avocados, nuts, and whole grains. You can also find supplement forms of niacinamide.

Vitamin A (B-carotene)

Vitamin A (beta-carotene) has been found to promote better mood in animal studies. Beta-carotene helps the body produce serotonin, which can improve mood. You can find beta carotene in food sources such as leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, cantaloupe, apricots, and mangos. There are also supplement forms available.

Vitamin D

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to anxiety and depression. Vitamin D helps the body produce serotonin, which can help improve mood and reduce stress levels. You can find it in food sources like eggs, fish, dairy products, and fortified foods. You can also get vitamin D from safe sun exposure or supplement forms.

Vitamin K

A laboratory study found that vitamin K could reduce anxiety-like behavior in mice. This is thought to be due to its ability to promote the breakdown of neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, such as serotonin and dopamine. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of vitamin K in reducing symptoms of anxiety in humans.

Where Can I Buy Vitamin B1 

The most effective way to get your daily dose of Vitamin B1 is through the #1 nootropic, and adaptogen drink TUNE IN from VYU. This energy-packed drink contains a full spectrum of B vitamins, including vitamin B1, to help you stay energized and focused throughout your day. 

In addition, TUNE IN also provides the essential adaptogens needed to support physical and mental performance. With it, you can rest assured that you'll have the vital nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and calm during times of stress. 

Final Thoughts

Including vitamin B1 in your daily diet can help you to keep a better mood and maintain anxious and stressful thoughts at bay. However, note that Vitamin B1 alone is not a treatment for any mood issues like anxiety and depression. It must be combined with other steps, such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and relaxation techniques. 

Also, remember that everyone's body chemistry is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, those suffering from anxiety or depression should consult a doctor before beginning any supplement regimen.

FAQs

Can A B1 Deficiency Cause Anxiety?

Yes. There's evidence to suggest that a deficiency of vitamin B1, or thiamine, may lead to anxiety. A lack of this important vitamin may lead to sleeping problems and disrupt mood balance, which may cause anxiety in some people.

Which Vitamin Helps With Anxiety?

There're many vitamins that help in reducing anxiety symptoms. They include B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, citamins D, E, K, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Is B1 or B6 Good for Anxiety?

Both B1 and B6 have been found to help improve symptoms of anxiety. Vitamin B1 plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and helps maintain healthy nerve cells, which may prevent anxious feelings. Vitamin B6 is involved with serotonin production, a hormone that regulates moods and can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety.

Which B Vitamin is Best for Anxiety and Depression?

Vitamin B1, vitamin B9, and vitamin B6 are three of the most useful B vitamins for maintaining a healthy mood. Vitamin B1 helps produce energy, while vitamin B6 works to increase serotonin production, which can help regulate moods. Vitamin B9, or folate, is important in neurotransmitter production and may help protect against cognitive decline.