B1 or thiamine, is a water-soluble essential vitamin with an antioxidant and erythropoietic properties. Thiamine plays a key role in intracellular glucose metabolism and function of enzymes in the pentose phosphate pathway. It is used in cases of deficiency of this vitamin, also in cases of niacin deficiency, Wernicke-Korsakov syndrome, delirium and inflammation of peripheral neurons. Thiamine also has a protective effect against lead poisoning by inhibiting lead-induced lipid peroxidation.
