About the test
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and the functioning of nerve cells. In medical and nutritional contexts, there are several ways to assess thiamine status in the body, and various markers and tests can be used to evaluate thiamine levels and deficiency.
The concentration of thiamine in the blood can be measured to assess thiamine status. The most commonly used blood marker for thiamine is thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP). Low levels of TPP in the blood can indicate thiamine deficiency.
Clinical symptoms of thiamine deficiency can include fatigue, muscle weakness, nerve problems (such as numbness or tingling), confusion, and heart-related issues. The presence of these symptoms, especially in the context of a known inadequate thiamine intake, can suggest thiamine deficiency.
Thiamine deficiency is rare in developed countries due to the availability of thiamine-rich foods and fortified foods. However, it can occur in certain populations, such as individuals with alcohol use disorder, malnutrition, or certain medical conditions that impair thiamine absorption or utilisation.
1 Biomarker
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VITAMINS
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) - Total