Thiamine deficiency unrelated to alcohol consumption in high-income countries: a literature review
Gomes F, Bergeron G, Bourassa MW, Fischer PR
Published in Ann N Y Acad Sci, Vol. 1498 (1), pp. 46-56
Methodology
Literature review of 17 published and unpublished reports covering 81 adults with confirmed thiamine deficiency of non-alcohol cause in high-income countries.
Key Findings
Cases occurred with cancer, gastrointestinal disease, heart failure and obesity. Causes included disease-related malnutrition, bariatric surgery, chronic diuretic use, repeated vomiting, thiamine-free parenteral nutrition, food insecurity and restrictive diets. Intravenous thiamine led to partial or complete recovery in most patients.
Conclusions
Thiamine deficiency is not exclusive to low- and middle-income countries nor, in high-income countries, to people who drink alcohol.
Limitations
Case reports and series are prone to selection and reporting bias, and recovery was not compared with an untreated group.
Supplements Studied
Treatment with intravenous thiamine resulted in partial or complete recovery
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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