Indications:
Vitamin B1 is an essential nutrient for mammalian life and limited storage ability makes a regular dietary intake essential. Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), the coenzymatic form of vitamin B1 represents about 80% of total body thiamine, and is required for the metabolism of sugars and amino acids. Vitamin B1 plays an important role in nerve, muscle and cardiac function.
Neurological symptoms are seen in vitamin B1 deficiencies (Beriberi is the deficiency syndrome), and B1 deficiencies are often the first indication of excessive alcohol consumption (eventually leading to Wernicke’s encephalopathy). Early signs of deficiency can include fatigue, irritability, poor memory, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, abdominal discomfort, with more severe deficiencies presenting as loss of sensation in the extremities, symptoms of heart failure, vertigo, double vision or memory loss.
Good sources of vitamin B1 include whole grains, meat, and fish. Processing foods and cooking can reduce the available B1 levels.
Patients should avoid vitamin B1 containing supplements for at least 24 hours prior to being tested.
Included in Profiles:
B Vitamin Profile and Vitamin Profiles
Sample Requirements:
EDTA (lavender) – must reach the lab within 24 hours of collection
Postal Samples: Accepted