Why Researchers Say Natural Light Is Important For Diabetes Prevention & Management

From mindbodygreen.com 

Over 37 million adults in the U.S. are living with diabetes, and that number is only expected to grow, making preventive approaches to managing blood sugar paramount for all of us.

Beyond the food we eat, what else can be done to prevent diabetes? And if you already have it, how can you better manage it? According to research presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, natural light could play a role—here's what to know.

                                                                              Image by Alexey Kuzma / Stocksy

The connection between circadian rhythm and metabolic function

For this study, researchers wanted to look at the connection between natural light, the circadian rhythm, and metabolic function. To do so, they conducted a small study of older participants with Type 2 diabetes (average age was 70 years old), in which participants stayed in a research facility where light exposure, meals, and activity patterns were controlled.

For part of the study, they were exposed to artificial LED lighting, and in the other, natural daylight. In both lighting settings, the researchers looked at things like blood sugar levels, insulin production, body temperature, respiratory exchange ratio (which reveals whether fat or carbs are being used for energy), and more.

And based on the findings, it would appear that natural light reigns supreme when it comes to preventing diabetes. Namely, blood glucose levels were within the normal range for longer on days spent with natural light, compared to artificial lighting. Further, natural light saw a lower respiratory exchange rate in participants, meaning it was easier for the participants to burn carbs and fat for energy.

Of course, considering natural light is one of the best things you can get to regulate your circadian rhythm, the authors also note that the genes that control circadian rhythm were more active in natural light conditions than artificial ones.

The respiratory exchange ratio was lower during the daylight intervention than during the artificial light intervention, indicating that the participants found it easier to switch from using carbohydrate to fat as an energy source when exposed to natural light.

What to do about it

According to study co-author and Ph.D. candidate Ivo Habets, these findings suggest that exposure to natural light is not only beneficial to your metabolic health but could even help with the treatment and prevention of Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions.

"The type of light you are exposed to matters for your metabolism. If you work in an office in almost no exposure to natural light, it will have an impact on your metabolism and your risk or control of Type 2 diabetes," Habets explains in a news release, adding, "So try to get as much daylight as possible, and ideally, get outdoors when you can."

The takeaway

While the researchers note that more research is needed to figure out just how much natural light we need to compensate for all the time spent in artificial lighting, opening up the blinds—or better, getting outside—is a pretty simple ask.

Not only can it help keep your circadian rhythm regulated, but according to this research, it could just help prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/natural-light-may-help-control-blood-sugar-new-research-suggests

How Artificial Sweeteners Really Affect Metabolism

From healthcentral.com

Zero sugar doesn’t mean zero impact on your body. Artificial sweeteners can affect your gut microbiome, glucose tolerance, and more 

If you’ve ever thought to yourself that diet soda seems almost too good to be true—sadly, you might be right. These bubbly drinks may have zero calories and zero sugar, but a growing body of research is demonstrating that the artificial sweeteners in them do affect the metabolism and your ability to lose or maintain weight.

“It’s fascinating how many people view diet sodas and other zero-calorie sweetened drinks as comparable to water,” says Whitney Stuart, R.D.N., a dietitian in Dallas, TX, and the founder of Witness Nutrition consulting. “Artificial sweeteners can have distinct impacts on our bodies that extend well beyond just the calorie count. Research shows they can influence gut microbiota, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, though these effects can vary from person to person,” she adds.

The effects of artificial sweeteners (sometimes called non-nutritive sweeteners, or NNS) on metabolism are complex and still not fully understood by experts. Different types of sweeteners (such as aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, or stevia) may have different outcomes, and how often you ingest them also makes a difference. “In the short and immediate term, there doesn’t seem to be an impact on metabolism [from NNS]. But paradoxically, long-term use is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease,” says Sarah Fishman, M.D., Ph.D., a diabetes and weight loss specialist with Premier Endocrinology in New York City.

                                                                                       GettyImages/bymuratdeniz

How Artificial Sweeteners Affect the Metabolism

Experts have several theories as to why NNS have the potential to derail your weight management plans. One of the most well-supported is that artificial sweeteners appear to change the gut microbiome in ways that have downstream effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.

Artificial sweeteners may lead to gut microbiota dysbiosis, which occurs when the balance between the good and bad bacteria in your GI tract tips in the wrong direction, favouring the “bad,” according to recent research in the journal Frontiers In Nutrition. When this happens, levels of anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (a by-product of gut bacteria’s digestion of fibre) drop, which can affect the body’s ability to metabolize glucose and fat. Researchers believe these changes may be linked to an increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart conditions like high blood pressure.

In one study in the journal Nature, mice given saccharin and sucralose for just two weeks experienced a disruption in their normal gut microbiota and impaired glucose tolerance. And 2023 research from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles found that people who ingested NNS had significantly different gut bacteria and higher levels of inflammatory markers in the duodenum, the first part of their small intestines, than those who didn’t.

Potential to Rouse the Sweet Tooth

Another hypothesis about why artificial sweeteners affect the metabolism focuses on the sweet taste receptors in the mouth and GI tract. Some experts believe that when sweet taste receptors in the mouth are activated, it tells the brain to expect calories; since NNS activate these receptors but don’t deliver calories, it leads us to crave high-calorie foods, which could lead to overeating, Dr. Fishman explains.

There’s also a theory that artificial sweeteners activate sweet taste receptors in the gut, but since there’s no accompanying rise in glucose (as there would be if you ate real sugar), the body releases less GLP-1, a.k.a. glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural hormone released from the intestines when you eat that has an impact on blood sugar levels, appetite, digestion, and weight. This in turn leads to faster gastric emptying and less satiety—also ultimately leading to overeating, per a 2024 review in the journal Nutrients.

“Sweet-tasting drinks, even with no calories, can increase cravings for actual sugar or carbs, potentially leading to overeating and weight gain,” Dr. Fishman adds.

That said, the human research into these outcomes are mixed, and it’s unclear whether artificial sweeteners really affect sweet taste preferences or overall energy intake. It also may be true in some cases, but heavily dependent on other factors, such as which NNS you’re eating, what you’re ingesting it with, whether you have any pre-existing conditions (including obesity) and more. “A popular belief is that artificial sweeteners universally heighten sugar cravings, but research shows that this isn't always the case,” Stuart says. “The effects are deeply influenced by individual habits and circumstances.”

Can Artificial Sweeteners Help You Lose Weight?

“Artificial sweeteners can be a smart and helpful tool in reducing sugar intake, but they aren’t a metabolic ‘free pass,’” Stuart says.

For someone who’s just starting a weight loss journey or trying to get past a plateau, artificial sweeteners could have a place, Dr. Fishman says. “In the short term, replacing added sugar with sweeteners can lead to weight loss,” she says. But because long-term use has been associated with obesity, she says her advice is to try to use less sugar, rather than replace sugar with a faux sweetener. “For example, if you usually use four sugars in your coffee, try slowly going down to three, then two, then one, rather than replacing [the sugar] with artificial sweetener,” she says.

If you do eat or drink artificially sweetened foods and beverages, though, there are steps you can take to minimize their metabolic impact.

For one, be thoughtful about the types of NNS you’re ingesting. In particular, consider trying to limit your intake of aspartame and saccharin; they’re some of the most-researched sweeteners, and best-existing evidence indicates that all three sweeteners can influence gut bacteria and the body’s response to glucose, Stuart says. Sucralose is another NNS to limit, as it’s also been shown to impact gut bacteria, Dr. Fishman adds. Meanwhile, stevia and monkfruit seem to have less of an impact on gut bacteria and glucose tolerance.

Most artificial sweeteners, like sucralose and saccharin, end up in your gut microbiome largely unchanged, where they can directly interact with gut bacteria, notes Dr. Fishman. “In some cases, these sweeteners even act a bit like antibiotics, suppressing certain strains. They can also change the way gut microbes function, including how they produce metabolites that affect our metabolism,” she explains. “Stevia seems different because its sweet compounds are broken down by gut bacteria into steviol, which the body absorbs and clears, so there’s much less direct exposure for the microbiome.” It also doesn’t have strong antimicrobial effects and doesn’t act as a food source for specific bacteria. Stevia isn’t protective, but because it doesn’t linger in the gut the way other sweeteners do, it isn’t as damaging, she adds.

How you’re taking them in matters, too, Stuart says. For instance, pairing artificial sweeteners and carbs together (such as having a diet soda and a side of French fries) may impair insulin sensitivity more than eating the sweeteners alone (sipping a diet cola for a midday caffeine boost), per recent research in the journal Cell Metabolism.

Carbs have many of the same effects as NNS: They alter the gut microbiome in ways that interfere with how the body handles glucose and activate sweet taste receptors in the gut, leading to high post-meal blood sugar levels, Dr. Fishman says. “Overall, while NNS alone are generally considered safe for blood sugar, consuming them alongside carbs can amplify their impact on the gut and metabolism,” she notes.

With Fake Sweeteners, Be Strategic

Although science has recently shown real benefits to going cold turkey with non-nutritive sweeteners in terms of helping to reverse type 2 diabetes, there are ways to be smarter about including them in your diet so that they don’t trip up your health goals.

But if NNS are part of your diet, “taking probiotics regularly… can help protect your microbiome,” Dr. Fishman suggests as a potential gut-health booster in general. Just be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplement.

Stuart adds that eating fibre, protein, or healthy fats alongside an artificially (or actually) sweetened drink or food can boost satiety and reduce the likelihood of overeating later on.

Stuart suggests a balanced approach. “Incorporate plenty of water, minimally processed foods, and ensure meals include protein and fibre. Use artificial sweeteners thoughtfully to enhance your meals on occasion, rather than defaulting to them,” she says.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/type-1-diabetes/how-artificial-sweeteners-affect-metabolism?ap=nl2052&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGdxQeReCCpw4PZrx7VoggvXsrvkFxnfpeARNHiwfxg7Db5fxur4qUkaP_55guIUZ6ehGnmmxjLYm5wqAtmU-_WyMijtjr48nTAoyWUIQJdWnHkhRM

Diabetes, Eating Disorders, and Obesity: Navigating the Complexities of Treatment

From diatribe.org

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders. Things get even more complicated when obesity is involved. Here’s why compassionate care and specialised treatment are so important.

Sugar, cigarettes, weed, alcohol, cocaine, and then food. Monica Romano, a 55-year-old living in Bellingham, Washington, lists her “drugs” in order of addiction. 

Romano quit drugs like cocaine at the age of 30 but then developed another addiction.

“Food became my new drug,” she said. She described her first time binge eating feeling as natural as breathing. Now she identifies as a food addict, with obesity as one of the symptoms. 

Looking back, she realises she had binge eating disorder – a chronic condition marked by compulsive overeating – but never discussed it with doctors. 

Due to her weight, family history, and diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, Romano worries about the ever-present threat of diabetes. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk for health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Many people with metabolic syndrome also have insulin resistance, which over time may lead to type 2 diabetes.

“I have luckily managed to escape it so far. But the threat is always at the back of my mind,” she said. 

Identifying and treating each of her conditions, while working to avoid a diabetes diagnosis, has been a long and difficult journey, fraught with stigma and challenges.

Three complex, intertwined conditions

Dealing with the ups and downs of one medical journey can be daunting. Dealing with three simultaneously can seem downright impossible. 

But that’s exactly where some people are, as they navigate complications and conflicting advice on living with and treating obesity, eating disorders, and diabetes. This is becoming a more prevalent issue as clinical obesity rates continue to rise – almost 41% of Americans live with obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
Clinical obesity is a disease defined by the CDC as someone who has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It’s important to note that BMI doesn’t accurately measure body fat content; while it can be used as a screening tool, BMI is not a reliable measure for diagnosing obesity. 

Along with the rising obesity rates, diabetes cases have doubled in the last 20 years, with overweight and obesity being a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Even though not everyone with diabetes has excess weight, 80-90% of the type 2 diabetes population has overweight or obesity.

People with diabetes also have higher rates of eating disorders than the general public, with 20% experiencing an eating disorder at some point. Bulimia nervosa is a more common eating disorder in type 1 diabetes and binge eating without purging is more common with type 2 diabetes.

The need for awareness and understanding around treatment

People with obesity, diabetes, and eating disorders can experience dilemmas in treatment that contradict each other – what helps with one condition might fuel another. 

Dr. Ann Goebel-Fabbri is a clinical psychologist who works with people managing these conditions (sometimes all three at once). She recalled an instance of one patient with overweight and type 2 diabetes who sought treatment to stabilize her binge eating disorder. 

However, the recommended weight management meal plan they recommended to help with her eating disorder conflicted with the recommended treatment for diabetes and obesity. 

“The problem was her meal plan at the treatment center completely ignored that to improve health in diabetes, a modest amount of weight loss is actually indicated,” Goebel-Fabbri said. 

“So the question is, how do we approach those concepts in ways that allow enough complexity, variation in foods, enjoyable foods, and prevent concepts and feelings like deprivation, shame, and failure?” she said. 

Goebel-Fabbri added that treatment must involve an understanding that deprivation doesn’t work. Eliminating a whole food group, as is the case with very low-carb diets, intermittent fasting, and other trendy fad diets, is actually more likely to increase the likelihood of binging. She said that it also only focuses on short-term success, rather than a long-term plan. 

“We need to help people develop modest and realistic goals for weight loss,” she said.
Pursuing multi-faceted, meaningful treatment, Romano is getting treatment at a clinic specialising in obesity and is also in counselling to help her better understand the link between trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders. 

“That was eye-opening because it explained why I felt compelled to binge as a response to others noticing my weight loss,” she said. “In some strange way losing weight became synonymous with losing control. I’m still grappling with that one – this hasn’t been an easy fix.” 

“Sure, weight loss drugs and even bariatric surgery, which I considered for a while, can help but they are tools. Eating disorders are multifaceted and without mindset work, we miss the complete picture,” Romano said. 

Alle C. Hall lives with prediabetes and has had binge eating disorder her whole life. At times, she’s also dealt with bulimia and exercise compulsion. 

Along the way, Hall said that some primary care doctors and OB-GYNs have impeded progress in getting treatment. Their weigh-ins and lectures about diet and exercise have led to sometimes days-long binging episodes, she said. 

Instead, she hopes digging into past trauma will get to the root cause and help with healing. For her, writing a book was a part of healing. She encourages others to pursue a project or creative endeavor as it could be a valuable part of the healing process. 

“There is no need to spend your time feeling like you have no willpower,” Hall said. “I know this to be true: get the help you need.” 

https://diatribe.org/diabetes-eating-disorders-and-obesity-navigating-complexities-treatment 

Vitamin B1: why it's important and how to get more

From restless.co.uk

The human body relies on 13 different vitamins to function properly. Of these, eight are B vitamins, which are involved in brain health, cognitive function, and the nervous system. However, vitamin B1 arguably plays one of the largest roles in our everyday lives.

Here, we’ll explain exactly what vitamin B1 is, why it’s important, and how to make sure you’re getting enough.

What is vitamin B1?

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamin or thiamine, is one of the eight essential B vitamins. It plays a key role in several important health functions including energy production, growth, development, and cellular function. All body tissues require vitamin B1 to function properly.

Like all other B vitamins, thiamine is water-soluble. This means it dissolves in water and therefore isn’t stored in the body – so you need to consume it on a daily basis to stay healthy. In fact, research shows that the body can store only 20 days’ worth of thiamine at any given time.

Why is vitamin B1 important for health?

Vitamin B1 is an essential vitamin because it’s involved in the normal functioning of the heart, kidney, liver, brain, and skeletal muscles – among other things.

Some of the most impressive health benefits of vitamin B1 include…

Vitamin B1 is important for a healthy metabolism

Vitamin B1 plays an important role in energy production because it converts carbohydrates that we eat into glucose, which is the body’s preferred source of energy to keep our metabolism running smoothly.

Our bodies also need vitamin B1 to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – the body’s main energy-carrying molecule.

Vitamin B1 can boost our immune system

Because of its involvement in various health functions, vitamin B1 is key in boosting the immune system.

For example, B1 plays a role in maintaining muscle tone along the walls of the digestive tract, where a significant percentage of our immune system is located. A healthy digestive tract means the body receives all of the nutrients that it needs to boost our immunity and helps to prevent us from falling sick.

According to studies, vitamin B1’s effect on the immune system can reduce the risk of various health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, mental illnesses, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.

Vitamin B1 can protect and boost brain function

Research has found that deficiency in B1 can have a negative impact on the cerebellum – the region of the brain responsible for various cognitive functions including attention, language, fear regulation, and procedural memory.

Procedural memories are memories of skills learned by repetition that become subconscious – for example, driving a car or riding a bike.

However, upping your intake of vitamin B1 has been shown to improve brain-body connection and protect against a form of brain damage known as Cerebellar Syndrome, which affects the cerebellum.

It does this by supporting the development of the myelin sheath – an insulating layer made of protein and fatty substances that wraps around nerves to protect them from damage.

B1 has also been noted for its ability to improve brain function – particularly concentration and memory.

Vitamin B1 may help to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease

In more recent years, it’s become clearer that diet and lifestyle play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. And according to experts, making sure that your diet contains enough B vitamins is one of the most important dietary decisions you can make when it comes to preventing the disease.

Vitamin B1 plays a key role in this because the brain needs it to turn glucose into energy and without energy, brain cells will begin to die. The brain also needs B1 to make acetylcholine – the main neurotransmitter that Alzheimer’s patients are deficient in.

Research has suggested that sufficient intake of vitamin B1 could help to treat – or slow down and prevent – memory decline associated with Alzheimer’s.

Vitamin B1 can help support people with diabetes

The body needs vitamin B1 to convert carbohydrates into glucose, so having low levels of B1 can impact glucose control. This explains why levels of vitamin B1 are lower in diabetic, because high blood sugar causes the kidneys to excrete the vitamin at a rate 25 times higher than normal.

As a result, science has revealed that people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes have around 75% lower levels of vitamin B1.

However, there’s evidence that increased intake or supplementation of vitamin B1 could help to reverse microalbuminuria, which is a common complication of diabetes and an early sign of kidney disease where albumin protein passes through the kidneys and into the urine.

For example, in this study, taking an oral B1 supplement decreased the levels of albumin protein in the urine, and after three months of treatment, 35% of participants had normal urine levels.

Vitamin B1 can help reduce the risk of heart disease

Our entire cardiovascular system relies on vitamin B1 to function properly and remain healthy. This is because B1 plays a role in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for transferring messages between muscles and nerves – ensuring heart function.

For example, in this study, when B1 was given to people suffering from congestive heart failure intravenously for seven days, they experienced considerable improvements in heart function. This suggests that the vitamin could help to prevent the development of heart disease.

Other studies have suggested that vitamin B1 could delay the progression of heart failure and improve survival and healing after a heart attack.

Vitamin B1’s role in helping treat diabetes should also be noted here, as according to science, adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease. But, research has revealed that vitamin B1 could help to reduce the risk of heart disease caused by diabetes.

Vitamin B1 can help combat stress, anxiety, and depression

Like other B vitamins, B1 is sometimes called an ‘anti-stress’ vitamin because it can help to boost the immune system and improve our ability to withstand stressful situations.

This is largely down to B1’s ability to decrease and regulate oxidative stress (the imbalance of antioxidants and harmful molecules known as free radicals, which causes inflammation) in the body. This is significant because oxidative stress is linked with emotional stress.

For example, this study of older adults with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) found that they all had low levels of B1 in their blood. However, having daily injections of vitamin B1 was found to improve anxiety and general wellbeing.

Vitamin B1 has also been shown to boost mood and help combat depression. For example, in this study, B1 helped reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder and prevent mood swings related to work stress.

Vitamin B1 supports eye health

Research has suggested that vitamin B1 can support eye health and help prevent conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. In both cataracts and glaucoma, there’s a loss of muscle and nerve signalling between the brain and eyes.

Vitamin B1 helps to stimulate the connection between the eyes and brain. And when taken alongside other essential nutrients, B1 can help to prevent damage to the optic nerve – a condition that often leads to vision loss.

For example, this study of 2,900 people found that a diet high in vitamin B1 reduces the risk of developing cataracts by 40%.

Vitamin B1 can help improve digestive health

Vitamin B1 plays an assistive role in the production of hydrochloric acid (stomach acid), which is essential for the proper breakdown and absorption of food.

Research has found that B1 helps to maintain muscle tone in the stomach and intestines, and prevent constipation. It also nourishes the digestive organs, regulates appetite, and helps the body get maximum nutrition from food.

How can I get enough vitamin B1?

Vitamin B1 isn’t stored in the body, so it’s important to get a continuous supply through your daily diet. According to the NHS*, men and women need 1mg and 0.8mg of vitamin B1 a day, respectively.

B1 is found in both plant and animal-based foods but animal foods like meat, poultry, and shellfish tend to contain slightly more. Grains are good sources of vitamin B1, but it’s best to consume them in their whole, unprocessed form.

Some vitamin B1-rich foods include…

• Pork (0.7mg per 100g)

• Flax seeds (1.6mg per 100g)

• Salmon (0.3mg per 100g)

• Green peas (0.3mg per 100g)

• Mussels (0.3mg per 100g)

• Asparagus (0.3mg per 100g)

Other foods high in B1 include beef, tuna, trout, beans, lentils, sunflower seeds, sweet potato, chicken, oranges, and whole grains.

Vitamin B1 is also added to other foods through fortification – for example, in pasta, bread, rice, fortified breakfast cereals, and flour.

Most people are able to get sufficient amounts of thiamine from their diet but for those who need it, thiamine is also available to buy as a supplement.

However, if you want to start taking a supplement, it’s important to speak with your doctor first as over consumption of vitamin B1 can be dangerous. To maintain a healthy balance of B vitamins in your system, health professionals often advise healthy adults to take B complex vitamins over individual B supplements.

What are the symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency and who’s at risk?

Not consuming enough vitamin B1 can cause deficiency. This can happen in as little as three weeks and can begin to affect the heart, immune system, and nervous system.

Vitamin B1 deficiency is fairly uncommon in healthy adults with access to B1-rich foods. However, there are certain factors that can increase your risk.

This includes…

• Certain medical conditions, such as alcoholism, Crohn’s disease, and anorexia, which can impair healthy vitamin B1 levels.

• People undergoing dialysis for their kidneys or taking loop diuretics have an increased risk of vitamin B1 deficiency because these procedures can release thiamine from the body and cancel out any health benefits.

• Particular foods and dietary habits, such as drinking a lot of tea or coffee (including decaf), eating a lot of raw fish and shellfish, and chewing on tea leaves or betel nuts, can cancel out the body’s use of vitamin B1 and increase the risk of deficiency.

Signs of vitamin B1 deficiency can be easy to overlook as they can be vague or mimic symptoms of other conditions.

Some of the most common symptoms include…

• Headaches

• Loss of appetite

• Irritability

• Fatigue

• Depression

• Abdominal discomfort

• Nausea and vomiting

Having very low vitamin B1 levels can also lead to serious health issues like beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Beriberi is caused by a build-up of pyruvic acid in the bloodstream – a side-effect of the body not being able to turn food into energy. The condition affects breathing, heart function, eye movements, and alertness.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a combination of two separate disorders. Wernicke’s disease affects the nervous system and can cause a lack of muscle coordination, visual impairment, and mental decline. If left untreated, Wernicke’s disease can lead to Korsakoff syndrome, which permanently impairs memory function in the brain.

Both diseases can be treated with vitamin B1 supplements or injections. But while this can help with vision and muscular issues, B1 can’t mend any permanent damage caused by Korsakoff syndrome.

Final thoughts…

We all want to do what we can to stay healthy – and making sure we’re getting enough essential vitamins and minerals is an important way to do this.

Vitamin B1 is one of these essential nutrients and it brings many health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and boosted mood.

For more information on essential vitamins and minerals, head over to the diet and nutrition section of our website.

https://restless.co.uk/health/healthy-body/an-introduction-to-vitamin-b1/?contact_id=5e74dd65-8bd7-48a2-a626-ded9a62b692b&utm_campaign=23-04-04&utm_source=monday-email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=monday-email-general-23-04-04&bsft_clkid=6ad0e671-91ac-4f0c-9024-5719c38029fe&bsft_uid=7e4bbf6c-1c5d-4033-98b6-b63187fc0584&bsft_mid=b3440032-5ac6-49d9-bade-e2bc13a0a51d&bsft_eid=dbaeb13f-1c96-43ed-9fcf-f275b769ed7b&bsft_mime_type=html&bsft_ek=2023-04-04T05%3A31%3A04Z&bsft_aaid=3fb5a0c8-1d80-4f30-8749-7b9799f02c6c&bsft_lx=5&bsft_tv=16