Thiamine Deficiency

Thiamine Deficiency General Information

The clinical phrase “Thiamine Deficiency” is known to refer to the lack of a substance called thiamine pyrophosphate. This substance is actually the active form of a well known, important vitamin, widely called thiamine (in some cases, the spelling is thiamin). You may be more familiar with the B-1 vitamin, which is a synonym for thiamine. The deficiency of this important vitamin is a disorder which is also widely known as Beriberi. This medical condition is considered by most specialists one of the most common nervous system ailments. The translation for Beriberi (an alternative name for this medical condition) is actually “I can not, I can not”, as the name presents a Shingalese origin. This alternative name was given to this medical condition (Thiamine Deficiency) in order to emphasize the crippling, severe effects of this clinical illness. Although in most cases, the presence of this medical condition affects the patient’s nervous system, clinical cases in which the disorder focused on the individual’s nerves, muscles, digestive tract, heart, and so on have also been reported.

It is a known fact that this medical condition can appear almost anywhere in the world. However, there are some places where this clinical illness is very, very common. For example, in the south-eastern part of Asia, where the main daily meals consist of rice, numerous individuals are suffering from this medical condition. However, cases of Beriberi are also commonly reported in the USA (even if in this case the disorder is not linked to the individual’s eating habits but to his or her alcoholism). This medical disorder can affect patients of all ages and of both sexes. Unfortunately, this medical disease may have fatal consequences.

Thiamine Deficiency Symptoms

As we have stated in the previous chapter, thiamine is a synonym for the B-1 vitamin. Such vitamins are known to play a very important part in the healthy metabolism of the patient’s energy and in the build up of healthy, normal tissues. In order for you to understand the great importance of this vitamin, you should know that a special coenzyme called thiamine pyrophosphate which is known to result from the combination between phosphate and thiamine is responsible for the transforming of glucose into fat (the only way in which it can be stored into tissues). The same substance is supposed to transform glucose into energy. For this reason, a case of Thiamine Deficiency determines the development of severe symptoms due to the disruption of the organism’s main energy functions. In some cases (individuals with over-active metabolism, pregnant females, and so on) the organism consumes a high amount of vitamin B. For this reason, such individuals may present the symptoms that are commonly associated with Beriberi.

In some cases, the presence of Thiamine Deficiency may affect the organism’s gastro-intestinal tract, leading to severe constipation, indigestion and other unpleasant symptoms (some patients started to complain of clinical manifestations that are linked to the presence of a small quantity of hydrochloric acid in their stomach). If the individual’s cardio-vascular system becomes affected by this medical disorder, the individual may start to develop reactions such as increased, abnormal sweating, unusually fast heartbeat, and so on. In time, these symptoms weaken the heart’s muscle. In some clinical cases, patients who had been diagnosed with the presence of this medical disorder (Beriberi / Thiamine Deficiency) presented abnormal swellings (edema) that were generally located on the legs. Other symptoms include:  irritability, poor memory, excessive tiredness, cramps, and so on.

Thiamine Deficiency Treatment

Although this medical condition (Beriberi or Thiamine Deficiency) is considered to be a quite rare medical disorder, all patients ought to immediately alert their personal health care providers if they feel that they are currently following an unhealthy (inadequate) diet which is not properly balanced (a nutritionist is able to help you with this aspect). If you or even your children start to develop any of the clinical manifestations that have been listed in this disease guide book we strongly advise you to seek the professional help of your health care provider.

All individuals must keep in mind that Thiamine Deficiency (also commonly called Beriberi) is a medical disorder that can be easily prevented. All you have to do is follow a proper diet which is rich in the needed vitamins (especially the B-1 vitamin), fibers and minerals. Individuals who have an alcohol-abuse problem are known to be more prone to developing this medical condition. Patients who have been diagnosed with Beriberi must immediately stop their intake of any alcohol containing products, as it is a well known fact that alcohol affects the organism’s ability to absorb and / or store its necessary vitamins (including thiamine). Nursing females should be very careful with their diet as they are prone to developing Thiamine Deficiency; they should make sure that they follow a healthy diet, which is rich in all the needed vitamins (especially thiamine). It is best to seek a nutritionist’s advice regarding this matter.

When a patient who is suspected to be suffering from Thiamine Deficiency reports to his or her personal health care provider, he or she will probably undergo a thorough clinical evaluation that will enable the doctor seek for any specific symptoms (proof) of congestive heart failure. In some cases, such clinical evaluations discovered the presence of fluids in one or both of the lungs, breathing difficulties, edema (swelling), and so on. Further examinations may be necessary, especially neurological medical tests. These are very common, mostly in the latest stages of the disorder, as in such cases the individual may present coordination problems, drooping of the eyelids, walking disturbances, decreased accuracy of reflexes, and so on. Simple blood tests are sufficient to show the patient’s blood levels of thiamine. In some cases, urine tests are necessary, especially if the physician aims to see if there is any passing of thiamine through urine.

The goal of all therapy options against Thiamine Deficiency is to make sure that the organism does not lack any amount of vitamin B-1. This is generally achieved through the intake of thiamine-based medical supplements (non-prescription remedies which can be easily purchased from any local pharmacies). The oral, intramuscular or IV (intravenous) administration of thiamine is also a solution for the patient’s low blood levels of thiamine (an effective short term solution). The patient should start consuming fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh meat, unrefined cereals, and so on. Individuals with heart failure generally receive additional therapies with diuretics.