Vit B1 absorption

[infomaniac]

Can anyone tell me how I can improve my absorption of Vit B1 and maybe keep it in my system a bit longer?

I am using it to repel mosquitoes. Although scientifically there is no reason why it should work, according to some people it definitely does and that's good enough for me. I started taking it 6 months ago and it seemed to be doing the trick but a couple of months ago I started getting bitten again. I don't know if it's because my immune system is compromised but each bite turns into a big weeping sore so it's a massive problem for me.

Now...because B1 is water soluble and I am drinking more water (also sweating buckets!!) could that be the reason why?

I have read that benfotiamine is more readily absorbed by the body but I'm a bit loath to splash out on it if there's some reason why it won't work that I don't know about.

Any help or advice would be welcome as I'm living in Spain now and am literally scared to go out

[HEA72]

Hi, you may not be taking enough B1? Are you taking the same brand you took before when it worked as an insect repellent? My opinion is it's better to take a natural version than synthetic, because the body will be able to assimilate the natural version better, because synthetic versions of vitamins are harder for the body to recognise and use.

Apparently sweating is how the B1 works as a repellent.

You may want to add to your mosquito repellent repertoire and use a B-complex supplement too. You could also try citronella oil. You can use the essential oil direct onto the skin and dab it on your wrists and ankles and buy it as candles to burn or incense burning sticks.

Here's an interesting article by Dr Mercola about natural methods to deter those pesky mozzies:

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

[infomaniac in reply to HEA72]

Thanks HEA72. Yes I'm using the same brand. I also use a good B complex and have everything known to man, oil burners, citronella and a whole range of essential oils but I'm still being bitten

[phoenix23002]

Hi... the benfotiamine is great stuff (a synthetic, long lasting B 1 developed by the Japanese) and is especially helpful to diabetics as it gives another pathway for the body to use to metabolize sugars. Whether this synthetic version of B1 is as 'stinky' or as effective as the normal B 1 is something you might have to experiment with and find out. Meanwhile, here is a little tool that some find very useful in fighting insect bites. This is Amazon UK....

amazon.co.uk/Bug-Bite-Thing...

[infomaniac in reply to phoenix23002]

I got one of those little gizmos and all it did was turn the bite into a bigger, festering sore than it would normally have been! I'm getting to the stage where everything anyone suggests, I have already tried it I'm not giving up though...I'm a woman on a mission!