In addition to maintaining a healthy body, thiamine can be of assistance when the body suffers from digestive problems, metabolic disorders, dysmenorrhea or the threat of kidney damage.

Cooking foods that naturally contain vitamin B1 may actually destroy the vitamin. Manufacturers commonly fortify some of their products with vitamin B1 to enhance its nutrition content. United States residents get about half of their vitamin B1 naturally from whole foods, and half of their vitamin B1 intake comes from fortified grains and cereals. Some athletes even use thiamine as a natural supplement to improve performance and recover from strenuous workouts.