Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine. It is found naturally in plants, mushrooms and other fungi, and bacteria and is responsible for proper functioning of the heart and nervous system. Too little vitamin B1, caused by malnutrition or eating foods containing too much of the enzyme that breaks this vitamin down can result in serious side effects. Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause beriberi, a neurological disease that makes it harder to use the muscles and limps. In severe cases, a lack of vitamin B1 can lead to heart failure. Doctors may order a vitamin B1 blood test in patients with motor problems, muscular atrophy, heart trouble or unexpected weight loss.
Poor diet isn't the only cause of a vitamin B1 deficiency. Thiamine blood tests can also be used to detect neurological conditions like Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is caused by organ damage due to excessive alcohol abuse. Some genetic conditions, such as thiamine responsive megaloblastic anemia, can also keep the body from absorbing vitamin B1 correctly.
Patients should FAST for 10 hours, avoiding all food and beverages other than water to ensure an accurate serum level of vitamin B1. Ideally, the test should show vitamin levels of 80 to 150 nanomoles per liter.
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