Thiamin HCl (Vitamin B1)
Also known as: thiamine hydrochloride, thiamin hydrochloride, vitamin B1, aneurine, thiamine
Thiamin hydrochloride is one of the two standard water-soluble salts of vitamin B1 used in supplements (the other is the mononitrate). Thiamin is required for the enzymes that convert carbohydrate into energy and for nerve function, and the body stores only a small amount, so a steady intake matters. It is inexpensive, stable in dry form, and appears in nearly every multivitamin and B-complex. High doses have shown no reported toxicity, and NIH ODS notes absorption drops sharply above about 5 mg per dose.
Research summary
Phosphorylated to thiamin diphosphate, a coenzyme for pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and transketolase in energy metabolism.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 mg | 1.5–100 mg | — | — |
Doses are mg of thiamin HCl as labeled (industry labels the salt weight as thiamin). RDA is 1.2 mg for men and 1.1 mg for women; DV 1.2 mg. NIH ODS reports multivitamins typically provide about 1.5 mg, and no UL was set because intakes of 50 mg/day or more have produced no reported adverse effects. The 100 mg typical ceiling reflects common B-complex and B-50 products rather than a dose-finding trial. Absorption is active at nutritional doses and passive (less efficient) at higher doses, so splitting large amounts is more efficient. Slight sulfur odor at high inclusion.
Standardization: ≥98% thiamin hydrochloride (USP)
Source material: synthetic
Forms of Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thiamin HCl (Vitamin B1) | 1.5–100 mg | — | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Benfotiamine | 150–600 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Powder | mid |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Hygroscopic and can carry a faint sulfur note; mononitrate is often preferred for tablets and dry premixes.
Formulation notes
Standard B-complex component; commonly paired with magnesium and other B vitamins in energy formulas.
Sources
Related ingredients
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
VitaminCyanocobalamin is the synthetic, highly stable form of vitamin B12 used in most supplements and fortified foods.
Typical: 100–1,000 mcg
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
VitaminMethylcobalamin is one of the two coenzyme forms of vitamin B12 that the body uses directly, in this case for the methionine synthase reaction that recycles homocysteine and supports methylation.
Typical: 100–1,000 mcg
Niacin (Nicotinic Acid)
VitaminNicotinic acid is the acid form of vitamin B3 and, with nicotinamide, one of the two standard niacin sources in supplements.
Typical: 16–35 mg
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA Concentrate)
Fatty acidFish oil concentrate is a refined marine oil enriched in the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Typical: 500–2,000 mg
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)
AntioxidantCoenzyme Q10 in its oxidized form, ubiquinone, is the standard, most-studied CoQ10 ingredient.
Typical: 100–300 mg