Are You at Risk of Vitamin B1 Deficiency? Find Out Now!

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, deficiency is rare in developed countries where fortified foods and dietary supplements are widely available. 

However, certain groups of people may be at a higher risk of developing a deficiency, including:

People with chronic alcoholism: Alcohol interferes with the absorption of thiamine, and chronic alcoholism is a common cause of thiamine deficiency.

People with malabsorption disorders: Disorders that affect the digestive system, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, can interfere with the absorption of thiamine.

People with a high carbohydrate diet: Thiamine is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, so people with a diet high in refined carbohydrates may have an increased risk of deficiency.

People undergoing kidney dialysis: People with end-stage renal disease who require kidney dialysis may be at a higher risk of thiamine deficiency.

Older adults: Older adults may have a decreased ability to absorb and utilize thiamine.

People with certain genetic disorders: Some genetic disorders, such as maple syrup urine disease and congenital erythropoietic porphyria, can interfere with thiamine metabolism.

Symptoms of thiamine deficiency include fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and confusion. If left untreated, thiamine deficiency can lead to serious health problems, including nerve damage, heart failure, and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a severe neurological disorder. If you are at risk of thiamine deficiency or experiencing symptoms, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine if you should be supplementing your diet with vitamin B1.