VIT B1, WHOLE BLOOD

Vitamin B1, Whole Blood

What it is

The Vitamin B1, Whole Blood test measures the level of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) in the body. Thiamine is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in energy metabolism, nerve function, and muscle activity. Since thiamine is stored in red blood cells, a whole blood sample provides a more accurate assessment of body stores than serum levels.

Uses

This test is used to diagnose thiamine deficiency, evaluate malnutrition, and monitor patients with conditions that increase the risk of deficiency. It is also useful in people receiving long-term intravenous nutrition or those with chronic alcohol use disorder.

Symptoms That May Lead to the Test

Doctors may recommend this test if you have symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, memory problems, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, loss of appetite, or weight loss. Severe deficiency can lead to beriberi or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Abnormal Results

Low Vitamin B1: Indicates thiamine deficiency, commonly seen in alcoholism, malabsorption syndromes, chronic diarrhea, eating disorders, or after bariatric surgery. Severe deficiency may cause neurological and cardiac complications.

High Vitamin B1: Rare, but may occur with excessive supplementation. High levels are usually not harmful since thiamine is water-soluble and excess is excreted in urine.

Risks

The test is performed with a standard blood draw, so risks are minimal. Some patients may experience mild pain, bruising, or bleeding at the puncture site, and rarely dizziness or infection.