Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Thiamine mononitrate is a synthetic, highly stable form of vitamin B1, an essential water-soluble vitamin that the body cannot produce on its own. It is one of the most cost-effective and commercially established B-vitamin actives used in gummy and sachet manufacturing across the EU, UK, and US markets.

Brands use thiamine mononitrate to build products positioned around energy metabolism, nervous system support, and daily wellness. Its neutral taste, heat stability, and low cost make it a practical choice for gummy formulations, particularly in multi-vitamin blends and sports recovery ranges.

Origin and history

Thiamine was first isolated in 1926 by Dutch chemists Barend Coenraad Petrus Jansen and Willem Frederik Donath, who extracted it from rice bran. The structure was determined in 1934, and synthetic production began shortly after. Thiamine mononitrate was developed as a more stable salt form suitable for dry processing and long shelf-life applications.

Today, thiamine mononitrate is produced industrially through chemical synthesis. It is the preferred form for dry powder blends and gummy manufacturing due to its superior stability compared to thiamine hydrochloride, which is more hygroscopic. The mononitrate salt is also less reactive with other ingredients during processing.

Scientific overview

Thiamine acts as a coenzyme in the form of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), which is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It plays a critical role in the conversion of glucose into energy, particularly in tissues with high energy demands such as the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. Thiamine also contributes to the synthesis of neurotransmitters and myelin sheath maintenance.

Bioavailability of thiamine mononitrate is high, with absorption occurring primarily in the small intestine via both active transport at low doses and passive diffusion at higher doses. The mononitrate form is non-hygroscopic and chemically stable, making it suitable for gummy manufacturing where moisture and heat exposure are factors.

From a manufacturing perspective, thiamine mononitrate is heat-stable and soluble in gummy matrices. It does not require encapsulation or special handling. The cost-per-mg is low, making it an economical choice for multi-vitamin blends. Thiamine hydrochloride is an alternative form but is more hygroscopic and less stable in humid environments.

Thiamine mononitrate is one of the most familiar and commercially understood gummy actives across EU and US markets. Brands position it primarily for energy metabolism and nervous system support, often in combination with other B-vitamins such as B6, B12, and niacin. It is a staple ingredient in daily wellness, sports recovery, and healthy ageing ranges.

From a formulation perspective, thiamine mononitrate offers several advantages. It is heat-stable, soluble in gummy bases, and neutral-tasting at typical supplement doses. The low cost per mg allows brands to include meaningful doses without significantly impacting the overall bill of materials. Standard gummy processing applies, and no special handling is required.

For pack copy, brands may use the EFSA-authorised claims verbatim: "contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism" and "contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system." No disease claims are permitted. Certification status (vegan, kosher, halal) and shelf-life claims are confirmed per project and batch documentation. DAT reviews all claim wording and compliance requirements per project.