disorders of nutrition
Thiamin Deficiency
Treatment of Thiamin Deficiency
Thiamin supplements All forms of thiamin deficiency are treated with thiamin supplements. They are usually given by mouth. They are given intravenously if symptoms are severe. Because thiamin deficiency often occurs with other B vitamin deficiencies, multivitamins are usually given for several weeks. People are encouraged to eat healthily and are advised to consume 1 to 2 times the Vitamins . They should not drink any alcohol. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a medical emergency, is treated with high doses of thiamin given intravenously or by injection into a muscle (intramuscularly) for several days. Use of alcohol should be stopped. When people who may have a thiamin deficiency, particularly people with alcohol use disorder, must be fed intravenously, they are given thiamin supplements first. These intravenous solutions contain glucose. Because thiamin is needed to process (metabolize) glucose, glucose may trigger or worsen symptoms of thiamin deficiency. Giving them thiamin supplements first can prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome from developing or worsening. With treatment, most people recover completely. In some people with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, some brain damage is permanent. Symptoms of beriberi may recur years after apparent recovery. 