Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is just as important for keeping your body running smoothly as the other vitamins. As a water-soluble vitamin, it is one of the eight B-complex vitamins that play a role in converting the food you eat into energy.
Thiamine supports your nervous system, heart, and muscles. But what happens when your body doesn’t get enough thiamine? Thiamine deficiency is what happens. It can manifest as fatigue, weakness of your heart muscles, or Beriberi.
Beriberi might sound like a disease that belongs to the Bubonic plague era. But it is very much a medical concern in the world today, although rare. However, if you’re worried about your thiamine intake, consider adding a vitamin B1 chewable to your daily routine.
But before thinking about supplementation, let’s look at what thiamine deficiency is and see who’s more at risk of this rare condition.
What Is Thiamine Deficiency?
Thiamine deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t get enough of this essential vitamin. While it’s not extremely common in well-nourished populations, it can happen.
This is especially the case if your diet is lacking in thiamine-rich foods. Also, certain health conditions can affect how your body absorbs and uses thiamine.
Who Is at Risk of Thiamine Deficiency?
While anyone can develop thiamine deficiency, certain groups are at a higher risk:
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People with Chronic Alcoholism
Alcohol affects the body’s ability to absorb and utilize thiamine the way it should. People who consume alcohol heavily are particularly vulnerable to developing a deficiency.
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Those with Malabsorption Disorders
Certain conditions prevent the body from absorbing thiamine properly. This puts individuals with these malabsorption disorders at risk.
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People with a Poor Diet
Diets low in whole grains, legumes, and meats can lead to insufficient thiamine intake. This is particularly a risk in areas where refined grains (which have lower thiamine content) are a staple.
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Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
The increased nutritional needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding can sometimes outpace thiamine intake. If not properly managed, it can lead to deficiency.
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Gastric Bypass Surgery Patients
People who have undergone weight loss surgery, particularly procedures that alter the digestive system, like gastric bypass, are at risk of thiamine deficiency. This is due to changes in how their body absorbs nutrients.
Symptoms of Thiamine Deficiency
Thiamine deficiency can manifest in several ways. Depending on how severe it is and how long it’s been going on, here are some of the symptoms to look out for:
- Fatigue and Weakness
- Nerve Damage
- Mental Confusion and Memory Problems
- Muscle Cramps
- Shortness of Breath
- Heart Issues
If thiamine deficiency is left untreated, it can lead to more serious health problems, including:
- Beriberi: This disease can affect your cardiovascular or nervous system. There are two types: “wet” beriberi, which impacts the heart and circulatory system, and “dry” beriberi, which affects the nerves and can lead to muscle paralysis.
- Heart Damage: Severe thiamine deficiency can weaken your heart muscle, leading to heart failure if not treated.
Bottom Line
Thiamine deficiency might not be on your radar, but it’s an important issue to be aware of. Ensuring you get enough thiamine through your diet by eating pork, legumes, tuna, eggs, nuts, and seeds is important. You can take supplements if necessary. It can help keep your body and mind in top shape.
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