VITAMIN B1, (THIAMINE), BLOOD, LC/MS/MS

VITAMIN B1; VIT B1

Thiamine (vitamin B1, thiamin) is an essential vitamin required for carbohydrate metabolism, brain function, and peripheral nerve myelination. Thiamine is obtained from the diet. Body stores are limited and deficiencies can develop quickly. The total thiamine pool in the average adult is about 30 mg. An intake of 0.5 mg per 1,000 kcal per day is needed to maintain this pool. Due to its relatively short storage time, marginal deficiency can occur within 10 days and more severe deficiency within 21 days if intake is restricted.

Approximately 80% of all chronic alcoholics are thiamine deficient due to poor nutrition. However, deficiency also can occur in individuals who are elderly, have chronic gastrointestinal problems, have marked anorexia, are on cancer treatment, or are receiving diuretic therapy.

The signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate thiamine deficiency are nonspecific and may include poor sleep, malaise, weight loss, irritability, and confusion. Newborns breast fed from deficient mothers may develop dyspnea and cyanosis; diarrhea, vomiting, and aphonia may follow. Moderate deficiency can affect intellectual performance and well-being, despite a lack of apparent clinical symptoms.