Question 1

What is Thiamine deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Thiamine deficiency, also known as vitamin B1 deficiency, is a nutritional disorder that affects nerve and muscle function throughout the body. It is caused by inadequate dietary intake, chronic alcohol abuse, or conditions that impair absorption such as Crohns disease or celiac disease. The Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for diagnosis because it accurately measures thiamine levels in the blood using advanced mass spectrometry technology.

Question 2

What causes thiamine deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Thiamine deficiency is caused by inadequate dietary intake of vitamin B1, chronic alcohol abuse, or conditions that prevent proper absorption of nutrients in the digestive system. Alcohol interferes with thiamine absorption in the intestines and increases its excretion through the kidneys, making alcoholics particularly vulnerable. Digestive disorders like Crohns disease, celiac disease, and prolonged diarrhea can also prevent your body from absorbing enough thiamine from food, even if your diet contains adequate amounts.

Question 3

What is the best test for thiamine deficiency?

Accepted Answer

The Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for thiamine deficiency because it uses advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology to precisely measure thiamine levels in your blood. This test is essential for anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, memory problems, irritability, sleep disturbances, or digestive issues, especially if you have risk factors like poor nutrition, alcohol use, or absorption disorders. The LC/MS/MS method provides highly accurate results that help your doctor determine if your symptoms are related to low vitamin B1 levels and guide appropriate treatment to prevent serious neurological complications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for thiamine deficiency?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unexplained fatigue, memory problems, confusion, muscle weakness, or tingling sensations in your hands or feet, particularly if you have risk factors. Get tested immediately if you drink alcohol regularly, have an eating disorder, follow a very restricted diet, or have been diagnosed with conditions like Crohns disease, celiac disease, or chronic diarrhea that affect nutrient absorption. Early detection through blood testing is crucial because thiamine deficiency can progress to serious conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which causes permanent brain damage if left untreated.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of thiamine deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Thiamine deficiency symptoms include persistent fatigue, irritability, poor memory and concentration, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and abdominal discomfort. As the deficiency worsens, you might notice muscle weakness, tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, difficulty walking, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. Severe thiamine deficiency can lead to beriberi, which affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems, or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which causes confusion, vision problems, and permanent memory loss.

Question 6

Who is at risk for thiamine deficiency?

Accepted Answer

People who regularly consume alcohol are at highest risk because alcohol blocks thiamine absorption and increases its loss through urine. Others at risk include individuals with eating disorders, those following extremely restrictive diets, elderly people with poor nutrition, and anyone with digestive conditions like Crohns disease, celiac disease, or chronic diarrhea. People who have undergone bariatric surgery, those receiving long-term dialysis, and individuals with HIV/AIDS or cancer also have increased risk due to malabsorption or increased nutrient needs.

Question 7

What happens if thiamine deficiency is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated thiamine deficiency progresses to serious and potentially irreversible conditions affecting your heart and brain. Wet beriberi develops when the deficiency affects your cardiovascular system, causing heart failure, rapid heartbeat, and severe fluid retention that can be life-threatening. Dry beriberi damages your nervous system, leading to permanent nerve damage, muscle weakness, and paralysis. The most severe complication is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a brain disorder that causes confusion, vision problems, loss of muscle coordination, and permanent memory damage that cannot be reversed even with treatment.

Question 8

Can thiamine deficiency be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Thiamine deficiency is definitively diagnosed with a blood test that measures vitamin B1 levels directly. The Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) LC/MS/MS test uses advanced mass spectrometry technology to provide highly accurate measurements of thiamine in your bloodstream. This test is superior to relying on symptoms alone because thiamine deficiency symptoms overlap with many other conditions, making clinical diagnosis difficult. Blood testing allows for early detection before severe complications develop and helps your doctor monitor your response to thiamine supplementation.

Question 9

How is thiamine deficiency treated?

Accepted Answer

Thiamine deficiency is treated with high-dose vitamin B1 supplementation, typically starting with thiamine injections or intravenous administration for rapid correction, especially in severe cases or when absorption is impaired. After initial treatment, you will transition to oral thiamine supplements, usually 50-100 mg daily, along with dietary improvements to include thiamine-rich foods like whole grains, legumes, nuts, pork, and fortified cereals. Treatment also addresses the underlying cause, such as alcohol cessation programs, treatment of digestive disorders, or nutritional counseling to ensure adequate dietary intake moving forward.

Question 10

How can I prevent thiamine deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Prevent thiamine deficiency by eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin B1, including whole grains, brown rice, legumes, nuts, seeds, pork, fish, and fortified breakfast cereals. Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption, as alcohol is the leading preventable cause of thiamine deficiency. If you have digestive conditions that affect absorption, work closely with your doctor to monitor your vitamin levels and take supplements as recommended. People following restrictive diets, recovering from eating disorders, or with increased nutrient needs should consider taking a daily multivitamin containing B-complex vitamins.

Question 11

What can I do at home for thiamine deficiency?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on eating thiamine-rich foods daily, including whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, oatmeal, black beans, lentils, sunflower seeds, almonds, and lean pork. Take an over-the-counter B-complex vitamin supplement as directed on the label if you are at risk for deficiency. Avoid alcohol completely, as it depletes thiamine stores and blocks absorption. However, home measures alone are not sufficient if you already have symptoms of deficiency—you need blood testing and medical treatment to prevent serious complications, so consult a healthcare provider if you experience fatigue, memory problems, or neurological symptoms.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Thiamine Deficiency Blood Test

What is Thiamine deficiency?

What causes thiamine deficiency?

What is the best test for thiamine deficiency?

When should I get tested for thiamine deficiency?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask Me Anything