Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Test
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Test
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is a water-soluble vitamin. It plays a vital role in energy production and muscle, heart, and nerve function in the body. It is absorbed in the small intestine. In the body, thiamine is present in free and stored form. The free form is present in the plasma and cells in the form of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) which acts as a cofactor for several enzymes. About half of the stored thiamine is present in skeletal muscles. The excess of thiamin is excreted in urine.
Thiamine is stored in the body in a small amount. Poor nutrition and alcoholism can quickly lead to a deficiency. Renal dialysis patients are at risk of thiamine deficiency and need supplementation. A mild thiamine deficiency can cause malaise, weight loss, confusion, and irritability. A severe deficiency can cause beriberi with cardiovascular and neurological side effects.
What is the Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) test used for?
This test measures the concentration of thiamine pyrophosphate (an active form of thiamine) in blood. Thiamine deficiency is diagnosed based on medical history, symptoms, and blood tests to determine thiamine levels in blood. Symptoms of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) deficiency Thiamine deficiency has the following symptoms
Confusion
Irritability
Seizure
Mood changes
Short-term memory loss
Heart failure
Swelling in feet
Weakness in legs
Tingling and loss of sensation in feet and hands
Blurry vision
Who should get tested?
Patients with symptoms and having the following risk factors should get tested for vitamin B1 (Thiamine) levels in the blood
Alcoholism
Gastric by-pass surgery
Poor diet
Starvation
Old age
Preparation for test
The patient needs to fast overnight before the test. The patient should inform the doctor if taking any over-the-counter medications. It is important not to take vitamin supplements at least 24 hours before the test. A blood sample is collected by inserting a needle in the vein in the arm. The sample is further sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Interpretation of the test results:
The normal range of vitamin B1 is 70-180 nmol/L. It measures the concentration of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), the active form of thiamine. Usually, less-than-normal levels indicate deficiency and require supplementation.
FAQs
What are the good sources of thiamine?
Foods rich in Vitamin B1 include:
· Brown rice
· Pasta
· Flour
· Cereal
· Yeast
· Nuts and seeds
· Legumes
· Pork
· Tuna
· Eggs
What is the turnaround time for the vitamin B1 (thiamine) test?
24 - 48 hours.
What are the complications of thiamine deficiency?
Thiamine deficiency can cause the following complications:
· Heart failure
· Coma
· Psychosis
· Permanent nerve damage
· Paralysis
· Wernicke’s encephalopathy
· Korsakoff’s syndrome
· Poor concentration
How to prevent thiamine deficiency?
The best way to prevent thiamine deficiency is to eat a balanced diet with thiamine-rich foods like cereals, meat, eggs, etc. Patients are recommended supplements either orally or parenterally. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent irreversible neurological damage.
How is the vitamin B1 (Thiamine) test done?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm. The sample is then sent to the lab for further evaluation.
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