Thiamine mononitrate

Thiamine mononitrate
Identifiers
532-43-4 Yes
Properties
Molecular formula
 C12H17N5O4S
Molar mass 327.36 g·mol−1
Except where noted otherwise, data is given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Thiamine mononitrate is a stable nitrate salt form of thiamine (vitamin B1). It occurs as a white crystalline powder and is prepared from thiamine hydrochloride. It is used as a food or nutritional supplement and is the preferred form of the vitamin for food fortification. Thiamin mononitrate is used in the pharmaceutical industry to treat beriberi and general malnutrition or malabsorption.[1] Thiamine can be found naturally in foods like grains, yeast, molasses, pork and animal organ meats. Dairy, eggs and legumes have smaller amounts.

Though thiamine is found naturally in foods, thiamine mononitrate is not. Thiamine mononitrate is synthesized by removing a chloride ion from thiamin hydrochloride and mixing the final product with nitric acid.[1] Thiamine hydrochloride is hygroscopic (water-absorbing) whereas the mononitrate has almost no hygroscopic properties. For this reason, the mononitrate is the more stable form of the vitamin in fortified flours and cereals.[2]

Thiamine mononitrate is also specifically known as mononitrate de thiamine, nitrate de thiamine, and thiamine nitrate. In addition, as a vitamer of thiamine, it is also known by all the generic names of thiamine, such as thiamine, antiberiberi factor, antiberiberi vitamin, antineuritic factor, antineuritic vitamin, facteur anti-béribéri, facteur antineuritique, tiamina, vitamin B1, vitamin B-1, vitamina B1, vitamine anti-béribéri, vitamine antineuritique, vitamine B1.[3]

Uses

Thiamine mononitrate is used where ever an oral source of thiamine (vitamin B1) is needed. The mononitrate is the source used in food fortification for reasons explained above, so it is not seen as much in supplements or therapeutic preparations of B vitamins.

Areca

Areca (betel) nuts change thiamine chemically so it doesn't work as well. Regular, long-term chewing of betel nuts may contribute to thiamine deficiency.

Horsetail

Horsetail (Equisetum) contains a chemical that can destroy thiamine in the stomach, possibly leading to thiamine deficiency. The Canadian government requires that equisetum-containing products be certified free of this chemical.

Coffee and tea

Chemicals in coffee and tea called tannins can react with thiamine, converting it to a form that is difficult for the body to take in. This could lead to thiamine deficiency. Interestingly, thiamine deficiency has been found in a group of people in rural Thailand who drink large amounts of tea (>1 liter per day) or chew fermented tea leaves long-term. However, this effect hasn't been found in Western populations, despite regular tea use. Researchers think the interaction between coffee and tea and thiamine may not be important unless the diet is low in thiamine or vitamin C; vitamin C seems to prevent the interaction between thiamine and the tannins in coffee and tea.

Seafood

Raw freshwater fish and shellfish contain chemicals that destroy thiamine. Eating a lot of raw fish or shellfish can contribute to thiamine deficiency. But cooked fish and seafood are safe, since they don't have any effect on thiamine, because cooking destroys the chemicals that break down thiamine.[3]

Dosage

By Mouth

For adults with somewhat low levels of thiamine in their body (mild thiamine deficiency): the usual dose of thiamine is 5–30 mg daily in either a single dose or divided doses for one month. The typical dose for severe deficiency can be up to 300 mg per day. For reducing the risk of getting cataracts: a daily dietary intake of approximately 10 mg of thiamine. As a dietary supplement in adults, 1–2 mg of thiamine per day is commonly used. The daily recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of thiamine are: Infants 0–6 months, 0.2 mg; infants 7–12 months, 0.3 mg; children 1–3 years, 0.5 mg; children 4–8 years, 0.6 mg; boys 9–13 years, 0.9 mg; men 14 years and older, 1.2 mg; girls 9–13 years, 0.9 mg; women 14–18 years, 1 mg; women over 18 years, 1.1 mg; pregnant women, 1.4 mg; and breast-feeding women, 1.5 mg.

Health Concerns

Thiamine mononitrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) per the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An 1 April 2013 version of 21CFR 184.1878 in the Code of Federal Regulations states that The ingredient is used in food at levels not to exceed current good manufacturing practice. Thiamine mononitrate may be used in infant formula in accordance with section 412(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) or with regulations promulgated under section 412(a)(2) of the Act. Thiamine is Likely Safe when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts, although rare allergic reactions and skin irritation have occurred. It is also Likely Safe when given appropriately intravenously (by IV) by a healthcare provider. Thiamine shots are an FDA-approved prescription product.

Thiamine might not properly enter the body in some people who have liver problems, drink a lot of alcohol, or have other conditions. Special precautions & warnings: Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Thiamine is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant or breast-feeding women when taken in the recommended amount of 1.4 mg daily. Not enough is known about the safety of using larger amounts during pregnancy or breast-feeding.[3]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "In-R-Food". In-R-Food. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  2. ↑ Thiamin nitrate in foods.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Thiamine (Vitamin B1): MedlinePlus Supplements". MedlinePlus. 2013-12-16. Retrieved 2014-02-08.

External links