Knowra Thiamine deficiency Thiamine deficiency Thiamine deficiency is a lack of vitamin B₁ that disrupts energy metabolism and can damage the nervous system and heart. Its effects range from subtle cognitive changes to beriberi and Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome.
Thiamine pyrophosphate : The active coenzyme form of thiamine, required by several enzymes in carbohydrate and amino-acid metabolism. Deficiency limits this coenzyme and slows reactions that supply energy to cells.
Beriberi : A group of disorders caused by thiamine deficiency, classically affecting the cardiovascular system or peripheral nerves. It is the broad clinical syndrome through which many cases of deficiency appear.
Thiamine : A water-soluble vitamin, also known as vitamin B₁, required for normal energy metabolism and nervous-system function. Deficiency means the body lacks this essential nutrient.
Vitamin B12 deficiency : A lack of vitamin B₁₂ that can cause megaloblastic anemia and neurological injury. Both deficiencies can damage nerves, but B₁₂ deficiency has distinct blood findings and mechanisms.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase : A mitochondrial enzyme complex that converts pyruvate into acetyl-CoA, linking glycolysis to the citric acid cycle. Low thiamine impairs this complex, reducing oxidative energy production.
Wernicke encephalopathy : An acute neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, marked by confusion, impaired eye movements, and poor coordination. This medical emergency can arise rapidly, especially with alcohol dependence or malnutrition.
Dietary reference intake : A set of nutrient intake standards used to assess and plan diets for healthy populations. Intake requirements provide a baseline for understanding nutritional deficiency.
Pellagra : A disease caused by niacin deficiency, classically associated with dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. It is another vitamin-deficiency disorder with neurological effects but a different nutrient cause.
Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase : A mitochondrial enzyme complex that catalyzes a step in the citric acid cycle. Its thiamine dependence helps explain impaired cellular energy metabolism in deficiency.
Korsakoff syndrome : A chronic amnestic disorder often following untreated Wernicke encephalopathy, with severe memory impairment and confabulation. It is a potentially persistent neuropsychiatric consequence of prolonged deficiency.
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