Clinical Study Title:
Beneficial effects of thiamine on recognition memory and P300 in abstinent cocaine-dependent patients.

Plain English Summary:

A thiamine supplement was compared to a placebo to determine the effects of thiamine on memory related events. Participants were given either the thiamine or the supplement, and then 3 hours later completed a task to measure their memory, while their neuron firing potential was recorded on an electroencephalographic. A week later participants repeated the procedure, only this time ingesting a different pill; i.e. if they took the thiamine in the first trial, this time they took the placebo and vice versa. The results showed that after taking the thiamine supplement, their recognition memory and the amplitude of the potential of the P300 impulse was higher. This suggests that thiamine does have an effect on the memory system of the brain. Exercise can change the way the body metabolizes many nutrients, such as vitamin B6, B2 and B1. This means that people who exercise may need to supplement these vitamins. There have been many studies that look at deficiencies in athletes and active individuals who do not use multivitamin supplements. These studies usually show that these individuals often have deficiencies in many vital nutrients. Most of these deficiencies can be overcome with the use of a daily supplement. Because of the effects of exercise, a daily multivitamin supplement containing Vitamin B1, B6 and especially vitamin B2 are suggested for active individuals.

Authors

Easton CJ. Bauer LO.

Institution

Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030-2103, USA.

Country of Publication

Ireland

Source

Psychiatry Research. 70(3):165-74, 1997 May 30.