As a medical professional with expertise in nutrition and its impact on health, I am well-versed in the intricacies of vitamin deficiencies, including thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. Thiamine plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and nerve function, and its deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms and conditions that can be quite severe if left untreated. Here, I will outline the symptoms of low thiamine, drawing from both established medical knowledge and the information provided. Neurologic Symptoms: 1. Poor memory is a common cognitive impairment associated with thiamine deficiency. This can manifest as difficulty recalling recent events or an overall decline in cognitive function. 2. Irritability and mood disturbances are also observed, where individuals may experience increased agitation or emotional instability. 3. Sleep disturbance is another common symptom, which can include insomnia or abnormal sleep patterns. 4. Wernicke encephalopathy is a serious neurologic condition characterized by confusion, ataxia (problems with coordination), and ophthalmoplegia (eye movement abnormalities). 5. Korsakoff syndrome is a memory disorder that often follows Wernicke encephalopathy and is marked by severe memory impairment, particularly with recent events. Peripheral Nervous System Symptoms: 1. **Bilateral, symmetrical lower extremities paresthesias**, which are abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or burning pain, are indicative of thiamine deficiency affecting the peripheral nerves. 2. Muscle cramps can occur, particularly in the legs, due to the nerve damage caused by thiamine deficiency. 3. Decreased vibratory position sensation refers to a diminished ability to sense vibrations or the position of one's limbs, which is a sign of peripheral neuropathy. 4. Absent knee and ankle jerk is a physical finding where the reflexes in the lower limbs are diminished or absent, which can be an indicator of advanced thiamine deficiency. Muscular and Skeletal Symptoms: 1. Muscle atrophy can occur as a result of long-term thiamine deficiency, leading to a loss of muscle mass and weakness. Cardiovascular Symptoms: 1. In severe cases, thiamine deficiency can lead to cardiac symptoms such as heart failure, due to its impact on the heart muscle's metabolism. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: 1. Nausea and vomiting can be early indicators of thiamine deficiency, particularly in cases where the deficiency is due to chronic alcohol abuse or poor diet. 2. Diarrhea and abdominal pain may also occur, reflecting the role of thiamine in maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract. Other Symptoms: 1. Fatigue and weakness are common as the body's cells struggle to produce energy without adequate thiamine. 2. Conjunctivitis and edema (swelling) may also be present, reflecting the broader systemic effects of thiamine deficiency. It is important to note that the severity and presentation of symptoms can vary widely depending on the individual and the duration of the deficiency. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the development of more severe conditions like Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome. Treatment typically involves thiamine supplementation and addressing the underlying cause of the deficiency. read more >>

Neurologic symptoms of thiamine deficiency are as follows:Poor memory, irritability, sleep disturbance.Wernicke encephalopathy, Korsakoff syndrome.Bilateral, symmetrical lower extremities paresthesias, burning pain.Muscle cramps.Decreased vibratory position sensation.Absent knee and ankle jerk.Muscle atrophy.More items...read more >>