Hello! As an expert in the field of nutrition and dietary supplements, I'm here to provide you with accurate and helpful information regarding vitamins and their roles in our body.
To answer your question, thiamine is not the same as vitamin B12. They are both water-soluble vitamins, which means that the body does not store them and any excess is excreted through urine. However, they have different chemical structures and play distinct roles in our body's metabolism and overall health.
Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the heart. It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, which is crucial for energy production. Thiamine deficiency can lead to beriberi, a disease characterized by symptoms such as weakness, nerve damage, and heart problems.
On the other hand, vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin, is involved in the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. It plays a vital role in DNA synthesis and the normal functioning of all body cells, especially those of the brain. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to pernicious anemia, a type of anemia characterized by fatigue and neurological problems.
Now, let's talk about the food sources of these vitamins. As you mentioned, vitamin B1 is found in many foods, including yeast, cereal grains, beans, nuts, and meat. These are all good dietary sources to ensure you get enough thiamine in your diet. On the other hand, vitamin B12 is predominantly found in animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. This is why vegetarians and vegans are at a higher risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency and may need to take supplements or consume fortified foods.
It's also important to note that the B vitamin complex is a group of eight vitamins that includes thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Each of these vitamins has its own unique function and deficiency symptoms, but they all work together to support the body's metabolic processes.
In conclusion, while both thiamine and vitamin B12 are part of the B vitamin complex, they are not the same and serve different functions in the body. It's essential to consume a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods to ensure you get the right amount of each vitamin for optimal health.
read more >>

Vitamin B1 is found in many foods including yeast, cereal grains, beans, nuts, and meat. ... Vitamin B complexes generally include vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin/niacinamide), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), and folic acid.read more >>