Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) vs. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
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).
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.
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) |