Guide To The Symptoms Of A Thiamine Deficiency

Swelling In The Legs

Swelling in the legs may be indicative of a thiamine deficiency. This symptom is related to the cardiovascular involvement that occurs with a shortage of thiamine. A thiamine deficiency triggers a cascade of events, including the dilation of blood vessels in an affected individual's limbs. When this occurs, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the body leaps into action. The detection of volume loss in the blood vessels causes the affected individual's kidneys to react by retaining salt, which leads to the retention of fluids. This mechanism in the body increases blood pressure to prevent ischemic events. However, adverse symptoms can occur as a result of the overactivation of such homeostatic mechanism. Individuals affected by a thiamine deficiency retain significantly higher amounts of salt and fluid in their body, which eventually results in fluid overload. Excess fluid in circulation can be dangerous, so the fluid begins to leak through the blood vessel walls instead of continuing to accumulate in circulation. This mechanism is what causes swelling in the legs due to the force of gravity on the tissues containing this excess fluid.

Keep reading to learn more about the major indicators of a thiamine deficiency now.