Q: Which patients commonly suffer from thiamine deficiency?
A: Thiamine deficiency is commonly noted in alcoholics. It may also be seen in other patients like those with Crohn’s disease and chronic diarrheas and those undergoing kidney dialysis.
Q: What is thiamine mononitrate used for?
A: Thiamine mononitrate is the salt of thiamine that is used for fortification of foods like pasta and cereals to overcome vitamin B1 deficiency. It boosts the thiamine content in these products. Thiamine mononitrate is basically thiamine in a synthesized form.
Q: How is thiamine absorbed?
A: Vitamin B1 is a water soluble vitamin and hence, it is not stored in the body. The supplements taken orally are absorbed in the small intestines. When injected intravenously, the thiamine is directly in the bloodstream. Excess vitamin B1 is excreted from the body via urine.
Q: Does vitamin B1 have interactions with medications?
A: The efficacy of vitamin B1 can be reduced when taken with the following medications:
- Digoxin: This medicine is used to alleviate heart conditions and could potentially decrease the ability of cardiac cells to absorb thiamine.
- Diuretics: These pills that regulate kidney functioning and help force excess water out of the body can deplete the thiamine levels in the body which is a water-soluble vitamin.
Q: Does vitamin B1 interact with herbs and supplements?
A: Vitamin B1 may interact with herbs like areca and horsetail, and should therefore be avoided taken together.
