How does thiamin help the body metabolize carbohydrates?

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Several translucent, oval-shaped vitamin E gel capsules are scattered on a white surface near a partially visible bottle. — vitamin Vitamin E in gel-cap form.

Thiamin, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential organic compound that plays a critical role in carbohydrate metabolism in both plants and animals.1

It functions in the body through its active form, a coenzyme called thiamin pyrophosphate. As a component of this coenzyme, thiamin facilitates the chemical reactions necessary for the body to process and utilize carbohydrates for energy. Beyond its role in metabolism, thiamin is also vital for supporting normal nerve function. A deficiency in this essential nutrient can lead to beriberi, a condition that may cause nerve lesions, general debility, and heart failure.1