Guide To The Symptoms Of A Thiamine Deficiency

A thiamine deficiency means an individual has low levels of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in their body. Thiamine is an essential vitamin that supports many functions of the body. It is critical in converting food into energy and just about all cells use it to function properly. The only way to get thiamine is to ingest it because the body cannot produce it. There are various reasons individuals may experience a thiamine deficiency, including old age, diabetes, bariatric surgery, and alcohol dependency. Thiamine deficiency patients will suffer from various symptoms that can mimic other conditions but should be examined either way. Learn about these symptoms now.

Shortness Of Breath

Thiamine deficiency can cause problems with the heart and making it beat too slow. Putting this kind of stress on the heart can result in shortness of breath and fatigue. Just like many other symptoms of a thiamine deficiency can be caused by various reasons, being short of breath can be indicative of other illnesses. It is important, then, for doctors to evaluate this with other symptoms patients might be having. A thiamine deficiency can also lead to heart failure because the heart is working too hard to pump the blood through the body. When this happens, fluid can accumulate and make it harder to breathe and results in being short of breath. The extra work being forced on the heart can also contribute to other symptoms, like fatigue.

Discover more symptoms of a thiamine deficiency now.