Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions. It is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, the production of energy, and the proper functioning of the nervous system.Thiamine deficiency occurs when there is a lack of vitamin B1 in the body. This deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, including a potentially life-threatening condition called beriberi. In this article, we will explore the causes and risk factors of thiamine deficiency.
Thiamine deficiency causes:
The main causes of thiamine deficiency include the following:
Inadequate dietary intake: This is one of the most common causes of thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is found in a variety of foods, including meat, whole grains, fish, and legumes. However, people who consume a diet that is high in processed foods and low in whole foods may not be getting enough thiamine.
Malabsorption: Another cause of thiamine deficiency is malabsorption, which occurs when the body is unable to absorb the vitamin from the foods that are consumed. This can happen as a result of certain medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, or as a side effect of medications that interfere with the absorption of thiamine.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption is another common cause of thiamine deficiency. Alcohol interferes with the absorption and utilization of thiamine, and heavy drinkers may consume diets that are low in thiamine.
Thiamine deficiency symptoms
Early thiamine deficiency symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration. As the deficiency becomes more severe, more serious symptoms can develop.
Ataxia: A condition affecting the neurological system's degeneration is ataxia. Slurred speech, stumbling, falling, and lack of coordination are only a few of the signs of ataxia that resemble those of intoxication.
Irritability: It is possible to experience frustration or fury, frequently over trivial issues.
Nystagmus: The syndrome known as nystagmus causes uncontrollable, repetitive eye movements.
Confusion: You could find it difficult to reason or think in a clear, concentrated manner.
Seizure: A seizure is a brief period of uncontrollable electrical activity between brain cells, which are also known as neurons or nerve cells, and that results in momentary abnormalities in muscle tone or movements (e.g., stiffness, twitching, or limpness).
Short-term memory loss: This syndrome causes you to forget recent events you heard, saw, or did.
Papilledema: A severe medical disorder called papilledema causes the optic nerve at the back of the eye to swell.
Edema: Edema, also referred to as swelling, is puffiness brought on by extra fluid that has been trapped in the body's tissues.
Mood swings: Rapid shifts in mood are referred to as mood swings. It can be described as daily, slight, or major mood swings.
Tachycardia: This disorder is characterised by a quick pulse that may be regular or irregular but is unrelated to age, exercise, or degree of activity.
Dyspnea: Breathing difficulties are the result of this ailment. Yet, it may have underlying medical conditions as one of its causes.
Sensory-Motor Polyneuropathy: Damage to nerve cells, nerve fibres, and nerve sheaths occurs throughout the body (systemically) as a result of this illness. Nerve signals slow down or cease when the covering of the nerve cell is damaged.
Thiamine insufficiency can occasionally pose a hazard to life. If you or anybody you are with has any of these symptoms, go to your physician right away.
- Trouble in breathing
- Speech that is muddled or garbled, or inability to speak
- A body part being paralysed or incapable of movement
Risks Factors of thiamine deficiency
Your chance of acquiring a thiamine deficit is influenced by a number of variables. The majority of those at risk will not develop thiamine deficiency because it is uncommon. Yet, people who are going through the following can be in greater danger:
- Alcoholism
- Having a gastric bypass
- Gene-based beriberi (inability to absorb thiamine)
- Kidney illness
- Starvation
- Bad diet
- No or limited availability of nutrient-rich foods
Also Read: What Is Fatty Liver – How and Why Does One Get Diagnosed With Fatty Liver
Treatment of Thiamine Deficiency
Supplementing with extra thiamine and making any necessary dietary adjustments are the only ways to cure thiamine deficiency. Depending on the kind and cause of the shortage, supplemental thiamine can be given either orally or intravenously.
Most symptoms of thiamine deficiency disease go away with fast diagnosis and treatment. To make sure the shortage does not recur, people with thiamine insufficiency should have their thiamine levels monitored over an extended period of time.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
