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Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

70 Azn
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Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, glucose processing, amino acid metabolism, and nerve function. It is required for the normal functioning of the nervous system, heart, and muscles. Since the body does not store large amounts of thiamine, regular dietary intake is necessary.

Sources of Vitamin B1

  • Whole grains, bran, cereals
  • Potatoes
  • Pork
  • Seafood
  • Nuts
  • Legumes

Deficiency and Related Disorders

Severe Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to serious health conditions:

  1. Wet Beriberi – Affects the cardiovascular system, leading to heart failure and fluid retention.
  2. Dry Beriberi – Affects the nervous system, causing peripheral neuropathy, weakness, and muscle wasting.
  3. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome – A severe neurological disorder characterized by mental confusion, memory loss, lack of coordination, and hallucinations.

Risk Factors for Vitamin B1 Deficiency

  • Malnutrition
  • Chronic alcoholism
  • Gastrointestinal disorders (Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, gastric bypass surgery)
  • Pregnancy and poor maternal nutrition
  • Cancer and chronic illnesses
  • Prolonged diarrhea

Common Symptoms of Vitamin B1 Deficiency

  • Skin rash, dermatitis
  • Tongue pain, mouth ulcers, cracked lips
  • Tingling, numbness, or burning sensation in hands and feet
  • Anemia
  • Fatigue, insomnia
  • Irritability, depression, memory problems
     
  • Sample Type: Venous blood
  • Fasting Required: 8–14 hours (only water allowed)
  • After a light meal: Wait at least 4 hours before testing
  • To detect Vitamin B1 deficiency in patients with characteristic symptoms
  • To monitor at-risk patients, including those with malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, or gastrointestinal disorders
  • To assess patients with neurological symptoms suggestive of thiamine deficiency
  • To evaluate vitamin B1 levels in individuals undergoing long-term intravenous nutrition or gastric bypass surgery

Low Vitamin B1 Levels

  • Suggests thiamine deficiency, but cannot determine whether it is due to poor dietary intake or malabsorption.
  • If levels are normal, symptoms are likely due to another cause, rather than a vitamin deficiency.

High Vitamin B1 Levels

  • Rarely occurs naturally and is usually due to excessive intake of vitamin supplements.
  • In very high doses, B1 toxicity may affect the liver and nervous system.

Since vitamin B1 is water-soluble, excess amounts are usually excreted in urine, making toxicity uncommon