Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Alcohol severely depletes Vitamin B1. Long-term B1 deficiency from drinking can cause serious brain damage. Shield contains 25mg — far more than most multivitamins. Exclusive to Shield.
Why B1 is critical if you drink regularly
Alcohol directly interferes with how your body absorbs and uses Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Regular drinkers can become B1-deficient even with a normal diet — because alcohol blocks absorption in the gut and increases excretion through the kidneys.
Long-term B1 deficiency causes a serious brain condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome — which can lead to permanent memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with coordination. This is not rare — it's one of the most common nutritional deficiency conditions seen in heavy drinkers.
Most multivitamins contain 1–2mg of B1. Shield contains 25mg — a dose chosen to meaningfully counter the depletion that regular drinking causes. On heavy drinking days (2 capsules), you get 50mg — matching hospital-grade supplementation levels.
Best timing for maximum benefit
Foods that help or hinder absorption
Food sources of B1 include whole grains, pork, legumes, and fortified cereals. However, regular alcohol consumption may impair absorption from food sources.
Medicines to discuss with your doctor
If you take any of these medicines, talk to your doctor first
What you might experience
What you might experience
Vitamin B1 at 25mg daily has no meaningful side effects. It's water-soluble — excess is excreted in urine (which may turn bright yellow — this is normal and harmless). Allergic reactions to oral thiamine are extraordinarily rare.
Duration of use
Indefinite — as long as you continue to drink. B1 depletion from alcohol is ongoing, so supplementation needs to be ongoing.
Situations where this ingredient is not appropriate
No significant contraindications: B1 at 25mg daily is safe for virtually everyone. Allergic reactions to oral thiamine are extraordinarily rare (fewer than 1 in 1 million).
What clinical studies suggest
Published clinical data
Presented for informational purposes. Individual results may differ. These studies do not constitute product claims.
