Thiamine Overdose: Too Much of a Good Thing Isn't Always Good



Thiamine Overdose

Symptoms of Thiamine Overdose

  • Weakness

  • Sweating

  • Difficulty Breathing

  • Anxiousness

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Any excess of any B vitamin can cause deficiencies in other B vitamins. Excessive thiamine intake can result in a vitamin B2 and/or a vitamin B6 deficiency.

    Related Thiamine Articles

    Benefits of Thiamine

    Thiamine Deficiency

    Vitamins and Minerals

    About Vitamin Supplements

    Water Soluble Vitamins

    Thiamine (B1) / Riboflavin (B2)

    Niacin (B3) / Pantothenate (B5)

    Pyridoxine (B6) / Cobalamin (B12)

    Vitamin C / Biotin

    Folic Acid

    Fat Soluble Vitamins

    Vitamin A / Vitamin D

    Vitamin E / Vitamin K

    Essential Minerals

    Iron / Calcium

    Magnesium

    More Coming Soon!


    Contribute your own article!

    It's a well-known fact that an excess of thiamine can result in deficiencies of other vitamins, namely vitamins B2 and B6. Therefore, the symptoms of overdose may seem similar to those present in B2 or B6 deficiencies.

    To avoid a overdose, make sure you speak with your doctor, especially if you're pregnant before you take any sort of thiamine supplement. This includes those "stress pills" that individuals take...

    Stress Supplements

    These are often purchased as expensive megadoses of thiamine. The concept of these tablets relies on the fact that thiamine is crucial for proper functioning of the nervous system. But, as wonderful as they may seem, your body can't absorb more than 5 mg of thiamine at a time. Taking a large tablet will only cause stress on your body and wallet! Too much of a good thing isn't always good.

    Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI)
    a.k.a. Recommended Daily Allowance

    If you're taking thiamine supplements for any reason, compare your daily intake with the table below. It takes some time for overdose symptoms to arise since your body can only absorb so much at one sitting.

    Recommended Daily Intake of Thiamine (mg)
    Infants 0.3-0.5
    Kids 0.7-1.2
    Adult Males 1.2-1.5
    Adult Females 1.0-1.2
    Lactating/Pregnant 1.5-1.7

    There's no real reason to take thiamine supplements without a doctor's prescription. Remain within the RDA listed in the table above and you shouldn't experience any problems with regard to thiamine deficiency or excess.

    If for any reason you're experiencing the symptoms listed above, contact your physician immediately for a checkup.

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