4727.0.55.005 - Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: Nutrition Results - Food and Nutrients, 2012-13  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 20/03/2015  First Issue
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THIAMIN

Thiamin (or vitamin B1) is a vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy for the brain, nervous system, and muscles. Thiamin is found in small quantities in a range of foods, but the main source is cereal foods. In Australia, wheat flour for bread-making is fortified (enriched) with thiamin.1

THIAMIN, Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and mean intake, by age

Age (years)
EAR (mg)(a)
Mean intake (mg)(b)
MalesFemalesMalesFemales
2-3 0.40.41.71.4
4-8 0.50.51.81.7
9-130.70.72.11.6
14-181.00.92.11.3
19-30 1.00.91.71.3
31-501.00.91.81.2
51 and over1.00.91.31.7
    Source:
    (a) National Health and Medical Research Council 2006, Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, Canberra: National Health and Medical Research Council <http://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/thiamin>
    (b) Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: Nutrition Results – Food and Nutrients, 2012-13

The average daily amount of thiamin consumed from foods by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was 1.6mg (1.8 mg for males and 1.4 mg for females) (see Table 1.1). Male and females in all age groups had average intakes that exceeded the Estimated Average Requirement. Cereals and cereal products made up 44% of dietary thiamin intake, followed by Yeast, and yeast vegetable or meat extracts (15%), Cereal based products and dishes (11%) and Meat, poultry and game products and dishes (10%) (see Table 10.37).

Was there a difference by remoteness?

Thiamin intake was similar among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in non-remote areas and remote areas (1.6 mg and 1.5 mg respectively).

How did this compare with non-Indigenous people?

The average daily thiamin intake for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was the same as for non-Indigenous people (both 1.6 mg).


ENDNOTES

1. National Health and Medical Research Council 2006, Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, Canberra: National Health and Medical Research Council, <http://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/thiamin>, Last accessed 20/02/2015.