STRUCTURE: Vitamin B1 (thiamine) comprises a pyrimidine connected by a methylene bridge to a thiazole ring. The active coenzyme form of thiamine is thiamine pyrophosphate(TPP), which is necessary for oxidative decarboxylation reactions, such as those catalyzed by pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase enzymes, as well as transketolase reactions in the pentose phosphate pathway. Thiamine is found in most animal and plant tissues used for food. Foods such as whole grains and animal meats are rich in vitamin B.
Vitamin B1(thiamine) deficiency Causes
Chronic kidney thiamine deficiency is more common. Also, some fish contain an enzyme called thiaminase that destroys thiamine. Eating these fish raw causes the thiamine in the diet to be lost.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Alcoholism | Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to thiamine deficiency. |
| Weight loss surgery | Thiamine deficiency can occur after weight loss surgery. |
| Eating disorders | Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa can lead to thiamine deficiency. |
| Liver problems | Liver disease can impair thiamine storage and utilization. |
| Diabetes | People with diabetes are at a higher risk of thiamine deficiency. |
| Gastrointestinal issues | Chronic vomiting and diarrhea can lead to thiamine deficiency. |
| Diuretic use | Diuretics can increase urinary thiamine excretion, leading to thiamine deficiency. |
Two types of diseases are caused by vitamin B1 deficiency:
1- Beriberi
Beriberi is a disease caused by a severe lack of thiamine in humans. In this syndrome, thiamine-dependent reactions cease. Beriberi is classified into two types: Dry and Wet.
In the wet type, a majority of the heart tissue is affected. Additionally, in the wet type, the walls of the veins weaken. As a result, the filtration rate increases, leading to edema in the surrounding tissues. Other symptoms of wet beriberi include shortness of breath and lactic acidosis. This form of beriberi can be deadly. Dry beriberi primarily affects peripheral nerves, leading to paralysis of one or more organs. Other symptoms of this disease include burning sensations in the limbs and tremors in the hands.
2- Korsakoff’s syndrome
Korsakoff’s syndrome is a condition that results from chronic alcohol abuse. Long-term alcohol consumption can cause malnutrition and a deficiency in vitamin B1. The reaction of pyruvate dehydrogenase is halted when this nutrient is deficient. The decline in enzyme function results in short-term memory loss. In this disease, there is atrophy of the mammillary body in the brain. The majority of the disease’s findings are linked to this atrophy. The activity of the transketolase enzyme is measured in red blood cells, or the concentration of thiamine is measured in urine To diagnose thiamine deficiency.
