Dietary reference values: EFSA publishes advice on thiamin (vitamin B1)

EFSA has set dietary reference values for thiamin (vitamin B1) as part of its review of scientific advice on nutrient intakes. Thiamin is a water-soluble vitamin which plays an important role in maintaining healthy nervous and cardiovascular systems.

The Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) confirms a Population Reference Intake (PRI) of 0.1 mg per megajoule of energy requirements for all population groups older than 7 months. The Panel finds that in the absence of new scientific data, the value originally set in 1993 by the Scientific Committee for Food does not require changing.

Thiamin deficiency can cause beriberi, a condition affecting the neurological and cardiovascular systems, with symptoms such as extreme fatigue, forgetfulness, poor coordination and weight loss. Food sources of thiamin include whole grains, pulses, red meat, fish, seeds and nuts.

During a five-week public consultation in late 2016, interested parties provided EFSA with comments and input on the draft scientific opinion. (News from BBC)