On Wed, 2 Sep 1998 09:50:29 -0400, Todd Moody <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>On Wed, 2 Sep 1998, Amadeus Schmidt wrote:
>> But also
>>  it may be the case that incomplete vitamin supplementation
>> hinders the proper use of ingested calories.
>> For example calories can possibly not be used for proper burning/heating
>> because of a vitamin lack. (B1 is needed for burning of carbs, right?)
>> This may cause storage instead of use.
>
>Possibly.  Is there evidence that this is in fact what is
>happening?

I checked my favourite vitamin book and indeed found some
evidence for my supposition.
Vitamin B1 is indeed needed for every proce
ss, where carbohydrates are
"burnt". Especially energy-gain in nerves and brain cells is only
possible if B1 is present sufficiently.
I think I am rhight to assume that each kind of calorie (also fat)
has to be converted to a form of carbohydrate, before the cell
actually burns it, and then B1 is also needed for burning fats.

Deprivation in B1 leeds to fatigueness due to insufficient energy supply of
the cells. A bad B1-supply has to be assumed in the average western diet.

The body's heating system can use a big part of the caloric intake
(several 1000 kcal per day).
This might be an explanation, why some persons stay obese even on low
energy supply while others (like me)  seem to be able to eat
endless without gaining weight - seem to "need" more .
The latter might just burn more for heating.

Since nervous functions are very essential, it would be a good strategy
for the body to favour
 nerves in b1-supply before the heating system.

B1-lack might in this way may indeed be a hindering stone
to loose weight.
Next puzzle stone: On neanderthin, leaving away fruit is said to be
one way for a better (or any) weight loss.
Complexer carbohydrates have an increased  B1-Consumption.
Therefore more B1 is availale.
Some neanderthinners also reported warmth-feelings, i recall.
Next question: who has cold/cool hands or feet often?
A temperature slightly below normal 37 deg Celius?

Well if this all is actually the case, then an increased B1-supply
should help loose weight.

My suggested paleodiet conclusion:
Without grains...
I'd suggest 100g of sunflower-seeds per day as a replacement for
50 gram fat and 120g meat per day.
Well chewed :-)
Makes 2mg additional B1 if the seed is fresh - a normal daily intake.
Other good sources were brazils (half as good)
or o
rdinary pig meat (almost like brazils) if you're not allergic on it.

Should this work? I can't try it myself (I have nothing to loose... :-) ).

regards and a nice weekend

Amadeus