What Does It Mean?
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is an essential water-soluble vitamin required for carbohydrate metabolism, ATP production, and nervous system function. A deficiency in thiamine can lead to neurological impairments, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular issues.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Poor Dietary Intake – Low consumption of whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins.
- Malabsorption Disorders – Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and chronic alcoholism impair nutrient absorption.
- Excessive Alcohol Use – Increases thiamine excretion and decreases absorption.
- High Carbohydrate Diets – Increased carbohydrate metabolism raises thiamine requirements.
- Chronic Illness & Metabolic Dysfunction – Increased demand for thiamine in high metabolic states.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness, burning sensations)
- Cognitive impairment and memory loss
- Cardiovascular symptoms (tachycardia, edema, low blood pressure)
- Poor coordination and balance (ataxia)
- Mood disturbances such as irritability or depression
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Change | Optimal Range |
| Anion Gap | Increased | 7.00-12.00 mEq/L |
| Carbon Dioxide | Decreased | 25.00-30.00 mEq/L |
| Glucose, Serum | Increased | 75.00-86.00 mg/dL |
| Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) | Increased | 140.00-200.00 U/L |
| Hemoglobin (Female) | Decreased | 13.50-14.50 g/dL |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | Decreased | 78.00-185.00 ng/mL |
| Apoliopoprotein B (Male) | Normal or Decreased | 52.00-117.00 mg/dL |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
Correcting thiamine deficiency involves dietary improvements, gut health support, and targeted supplementation.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Methyl B Complete | Provides essential cofactors for ATP production and neurological support | 1 capsule without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Increase Thiamine-Rich Foods: Whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and lean meats.
- Reduce Alcohol Intake: Minimize alcohol consumption to enhance nutrient absorption.
- Support Gut Health: Optimize digestion with probiotics and enzymes to improve nutrient uptake.
- Monitor High Carbohydrate Intake: Balance macronutrient intake to prevent increased thiamine demand.