# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Essential Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) vs. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble pyrimidine/thiazole vitamin acting as the Thiamine Pyrophosphate (TPP) coenzyme in pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and transketolase. Adult RDA is 1.2 mg (men) / 1.1 mg (women) (no Upper Limit established).

View full Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) spec sheet →

Vitamin C is a water-soluble electron donor and antioxidant essential for collagen proline/lysine hydroxylation, non-heme iron absorption, and immune phagocyte function. Adult RDA is 90mg (men) / 75mg (women), with a Tolerable Upper Limit of 2,000mg/day.

View full Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Nutrient Type
Water-Soluble Thiazole Vitamin Water-Soluble Vitamin
Adult RDA / RDI
1.2 mg / day (Men) / 1.1 mg / day (Women) (+0.3mg during pregnancy) 90 mg (Men) / 75 mg (Women) (+35mg for smokers)
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
None Established (Rapid renal clearance of excess) 2,000 mg / day (Avoid osmotic diarrhea)
Chemical Forms
Thiamine Monophosphate, Thiamine Pyrophosphate (TPP / TDP, active coenzyme), Benfotiamine (Lipid-soluble synthetic) L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Calcium Ascorbate
Primary Biological Function
Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (Links glycolysis to Krebs cycle), Transketolase (Pentose Phosphate Pathway), Myelin neurotransmission Prolyl/Lysyl Hydroxylase cofactor (Collagen), ROS scavenger, Carnitine synthesis
Deficiency Condition
Beriberi (Wet beriberi: high-output heart failure; Dry beriberi: peripheral neuropathy), Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome Scurvy (Collagen breakdown, capillary fragility, impaired wound healing)
Top Whole Food Sources
Pork Tenderloin, Sunflower Seeds, Nutritional Yeast, Enriched Grains, Black Beans, Flaxseeds Red Bell Pepper, Strawberries, Citrus, Kiwi, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts
Thermolability & Alcohol Interaction
Degraded by alkaline pH and high heat cooking; alcohol blocks intestinal active ThTr-1 transport
Thermolability
Highly heat- and oxygen-sensitive (degrades rapidly with prolonged boiling)