Free tool
Can I eat this with Thiamine?
Alcohol stops your body absorbing thiamine. Rich or spicy food may worsen nausea, a common side effect.
Also sold as AcThion, HealthAid Vitamin B1, Purosure Thiamine. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 48 foods and drinks for Thiamine (0 to avoid, 35 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Thiamine with food?
- With or without food
- Can I drink alcohol with Thiamine?
- Yes, with care. Long-term or heavy drinking stops your body absorbing thiamine. If taking for deficiency, avoid alcohol as it worsens symptoms.
- Can I eat rich food with Thiamine?
- Yes, with care. Avoid rich food if thiamine makes you feel sick, as it may make nausea worse.
- Can I eat spicy food with Thiamine?
- Yes, with care. Avoid spicy food if thiamine makes you feel sick, as it may make nausea worse.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Alcohol stops your body absorbing thiamine. Rich or spicy food may worsen nausea, a common side effect.
You can eat and drink normally while taking thiamine, but avoid drinking too much alcohol as it stops your body absorbing vitamin B1. If thiamine makes you feel sick, take it with food and avoid rich or spicy meals.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: With or without food
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Take care with Thiamine· 35
Fine with Thiamine· 13
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Thiamine
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 24 September 2026. How we check
NHS website
About thiamine
NHS medicines information on thiamine – what it's used for and key facts.
NHS website
Who can and cannot take thiamine
NHS medicines information on who can take thiamine and who may not be able to take it.
NHS website
How and when to take thiamine
NHS medicines information on dosage for thiamine, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.
NHS website
Side effects of thiamine
NHS medicines information on side effects of thiamine and what you can do to cope.
NHS website
Taking thiamine with other medicines and herbal supplements
NHS medicines information on possible interactions with thiamine and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Thiamine guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Thiamine
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.