10 Signs Low Vitamin B1 Levels Are Affecting Your Health : The Hearty Soul

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. It is responsible for converting carbohydrates into energy, supporting proper nerve function, and aiding in the metabolism of glucose. Despite its importance, many people suffer from low vitamin B1 levels without even being aware of it. These are ten signs that low vitamin B1 levels may be affecting your health and how to improve your levels.

What is Vitamin B1 and Why is It Important?

Foods Highest in Vitamin B1 (Thiamin). Healthy diet eating. Top view — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is one of the B complex vitamins. It is water-soluble, meaning that the body does not store it efficiently and requires a regular intake. Thiamine acts as a coenzyme in several metabolic reactions and plays a critical role in converting food into energy. It also helps support a healthy nervous system and is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and brain. (1)

Low vitamin B1 levels can lead to a condition called beriberi, which can manifest in various forms, including dry beriberi affecting the nervous system and wet beriberi affecting the cardiovascular system. Identifying the signs of low vitamin B1 levels is crucial in addressing potential deficiencies and maintaining optimal health. (2)

10 Signs of Deficiency

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Even if your levels of vitamin B1 are not low enough to cause something like beriberi, having low levels can still affect your health. These are 10 signs that your status is low and how it is affecting your daily life. Be mindful that many of these symptoms are non-specific, so you will likely need to speak to your health care provider to address your concerns and confirm what your symptoms mean.

1. Fatigue and Weakness

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One of the primary signs of low vitamin B1 levels is a constant feeling of fatigue and weakness. Thiamine is essential for converting carbohydrates into energy and plays a significant role in maintaining overall energy levels. If you find yourself easily exhausted without any underlying health conditions, it could be a sign of vitamin B1 deficiency. (3)

2. Poor Appetite

Young woman with no appetite, tired, bad mood and sleepy, sitting in the white loft kitchen, having unsavory unpalatable unappetizing breakfast — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Thiamine deficiency can lead to a loss of appetite due to its impact on the digestive system. People with low vitamin B1 levels may experience a decreased desire for food or a lack of interest in eating, potentially resulting in unintended weight loss. (4)

3. Nerve Damage and Tingling Sensations

Woman using hand to hold other her palm with feeling pain, hurt and tingling. Concept of Guillain barre syndrome and numb hands disease. — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Thiamine plays a crucial role in proper nerve function, and low levels of this nutrient can lead to nerve damage. Tingling sensations, known as paresthesia, are commonly experienced in the hands, feet, and other extremities. (5)

4. Muscle Weakness

Asian middle aged man suffering from frozen shoulder,pain and stiffness,unable to move,difficulty lifting his arm,male people with calcific tendonitis or shoulder injuries,health care,medical concept — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to muscle weakness as thiamine is involved in the contraction and relaxation of muscles. This can result in reduced strength and endurance, making even simple physical activities challenging. (6)

5. Digestive Issues

Gastrointestinal Distress. Young brazilian woman at home dealing with abdominal discomfort, touching aching belly, showcasing challenges of digestive issues and period pain, sitting on couch indoor — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Thiamine deficiency can affect the digestive system, leading to a range of symptoms such as indigestion, constipation, or even bloating. If you frequently experience these issues without any apparent cause, it could be a sign of low vitamin B1 levels.

6. Memory Problems and Confusion

Confused puzzled indian or arabian guy in casual clothes, sits on a sofa in an interior living room, holds a smartphone in his hand, looks questioningly at the camera, spreading his arms around — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Vitamin B1 is crucial for proper brain function, and a deficiency can lead to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mental confusion. If you find it challenging to remember things or experience brain fog, vitamin B1 deficiency may be a contributing factor.

7. Mood Swings and Irritability

Young woman taking off glasses tired of computer work, exhausted student or employee suffering from eye strain tension or computer blurry vision problem after long laptop use, eyes fatigue concept — *Credit: Shutterstock*

Thiamine deficiency can affect mood regulation and lead to mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life and the overall quality of one’s well-being.

8. Cardiovascular Issues

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Low vitamin B1 levels can impact the cardiovascular system, leading to symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and even heart failure. Thiamine is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and proper blood circulation. (7)

9. Eye Problems

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Vitamin B1 deficiency can manifest in eye-related issues such as increased sensitivity to light, eye fatigue, and even involuntary eye movements. These symptoms should not be overlooked, as they may be indicators of underlying thiamine deficiency. (8)

10. Poor Nutrient Absorption

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Thiamine is crucial for the absorption of other nutrients in the body. Low vitamin B1 levels can lead to poor absorption of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for overall health. This can cause deficiencies in multiple nutrients, further exacerbating various health issues.

How to Improve Vitamin B1 Levels

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Fortunately, increasing vitamin B1 levels is relatively simple and can be achieved through dietary changes and, if required, supplementation. Some strategies to improve vitamin B1 levels include:

Including Thiamine-Rich Foods: Incorporate foods rich in thiamine into your diet. Some excellent dietary sources of vitamin B1 include whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean meats, and fortified cereals.
Avoiding Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and utilize thiamine, so limiting alcohol intake is advisable.
Taking Supplements: In cases of severe vitamin B1 deficiency or if unable to obtain sufficient thiamine from dietary sources alone, supplements can be considered. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for expert advice and to determine the appropriate dosage.

The Bottom Line

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Low vitamin B1 levels can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. Recognizing the signs of vitamin B1 deficiency is crucial in addressing potential issues and maintaining optimal health. If you experience any of the ten signs discussed in this article, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance. By being mindful of your thiamine intake and making necessary dietary changes, you can ensure that your vitamin B1 levels are sufficient to support a healthy body and mind.

Sources

“Thiamin.” NIH
“Thiamin Deficiency.” Merck Manuals. Larry E. Johnson , MD, PhD. November 2022.
“Nutritional Neuropathies.” NCBI. Nancy Hammond, MD, Yunxia Wang, MD, Mazen Dimachkie, MD. and Richard Barohn, MD. 2013.
“Thiamine deficiency induces anorexia by inhibiting hypothalamic AMPK.” Pubmed. M Liu, A P Alimov, H Wang , J A Frank, W Katz, M Xu , Z-J Ke and J Luo. May 2014.
“Wernicke’s Encephalopathy, Wet Beriberi, and Polyneuropathy in a Patient with Folate and Thiamine Deficiency Related to Gastric Phytobezoar.” Pubmed. Nuria Huertas-González, Virgilio Hernando-Requejo, Zaida Luciano-García and Juan Luis Cervera-Rodilla. 2015.
“A Patient With Thiamine Deficiency Exhibiting Muscle Edema Suggested by MRI.” NCBI. Kenichiro Murate, Yasuaki Mizutani, Toshiki Maeda, Ryunosuke Nagao, Kouichi Kikuchi, Sayuri Shima, Yoshiki Niimi, Akihiro Ueda, Shinji Ito and Tatsuro Mutoh. December 2018.
“Acute decompensated heart failure secondary to thiamine deficiency: often a missed diagnosis.” RCP Journals. Asif Khan and Pankaj Garg. April 2011.
“Visual loss and optic nerve head swelling in thiamine deficiency without prolonged dietary deficiency.” NCBI. Sean M Gratton and Byron L Lam. May 22, 2014.