Which vitamin is critical for the proper functioning of the nervous system?

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is involved in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, which is vital for the metabolism of nerve cells. Additionally, thiamine is essential for synthesizing neurotransmitters, which facilitate communication between neurons. A deficiency in vitamin B1 can lead to neurological issues, such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, characterized by confusion, memory problems, and coordination difficulties.

While other B vitamins, like B6 and B12, are also important for nerve health—B6 (pyridoxine) is involved in amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, and B12 (cobalamin) is critical for myelin sheath formation around nerve fibers—thiamine's specific role in energy metabolism and its direct impact on nerve transmission makes it particularly critical in this context.