Vitamin B1 or thiamine is an essential nutrient required by the body to release energy from food and maintain normal functioning of the nervous system.

However, not getting enough of this vital nutrient can lead to vitamin B1 deficiency, which can cause several health problems. While thiamine deficiency is rare in developed countries, certain groups of people are more susceptible to it, including the following:.

Bariatric Surgery Patients

Bariatric surgery is a popular weight loss procedure that involves reducing the size of the stomach or bypassing a portion of the digestive tract.

While the surgery leads to significant weight loss and improved quality of life, it can also increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies, including vitamin B1 deficiency. Research shows that up to 60% of bariatric surgery patients develop thiamine deficiency due to poor absorption in the digestive tract.

Chronic Alcoholics

Chronic alcoholics are another group of people who are at high risk of vitamin B1 deficiency.

Alcohol interferes with thiamine absorption, and excessive alcohol consumption can cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to malabsorption of vital nutrients. This, coupled with poor quality of diet and liver damage resulting from alcohol abuse, can cause thiamine deficiency.

Diabetics

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide and is associated with several complications, including neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases.

Studies show that people with diabetes are more likely to develop vitamin B1 deficiency due to the high levels of sugar in the blood, which can interfere with thiamine absorption. Additionally, some medications used to treat diabetes can also cause thiamine deficiency.

People with Gastrointestinal Disorders

People with gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease are at increased risk of vitamin B1 deficiency.

These conditions can cause inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to malabsorption of vital nutrients, including thiamine. Additionally, some medications used to treat gastrointestinal disorders can also interfere with thiamine absorption.

People on High Carbohydrate Diets

Following a diet high in carbohydrate-rich foods can increase the risk of thiamine deficiency. This is because thiamine is required to break down carbohydrates and convert them into energy.

People who consume large amounts of simple carbohydrates like sugary drinks, sweets, and refined grains may be at risk of vitamin B1 deficiency, especially if their diet is not balanced and lacks other sources of thiamine.

People with HIV/AIDS

People infected with HIV/AIDS are also at higher risk of developing vitamin B1 deficiency due to several factors. HIV/AIDS can cause gastrointestinal problems and malabsorption of nutrients, including thiamine.

Additionally, some antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS can interfere with thiamine absorption, leading to deficiency.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Pregnant and breastfeeding women have higher nutrient requirements than the general population. Thiamine is essential for proper fetal and infant development and can have long-term effects on the health of both mother and child.

However, research shows that many pregnant and breastfeeding women may not be getting enough thiamine in their diets, leading to deficiency.

Sprue Syndrome Patients

Sprue syndrome, also known as celiac sprue, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. The condition damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of several nutrients, including thiamine.

Studies show that up to 30% of people with sprue syndrome can develop vitamin B1 deficiency.

Elderly People

Elderly people are another group that may be at increased risk of vitamin B1 deficiency due to several factors. Aging can affect the body’s ability to absorb, store, and use nutrients, including thiamine.

Additionally, elderly people may have difficulties chewing and swallowing food, leading to poor dietary intake of essential nutrients like thiamine.

Conclusion

Vitamin B1 is an essential nutrient required by the body for proper functioning of the nervous system and release of energy from food.

However, certain groups of people are at increased risk of developing thiamine deficiency, including bariatric surgery patients, chronic alcoholics, diabetics, people with gastrointestinal disorders, those on high carbohydrate diets, people with HIV/AIDS, pregnant and breastfeeding women, sprue syndrome patients, and elderly people. Proper dietary intake of thiamine-rich foods and supplements can help prevent thiamine deficiency and its associated health problems.