Thiamine is one of the B vitamins used by the body to convert food into energy. It is named vitamin B-1 as it was he first B vitamin discovered. The heart, lungs and muscles rely on thiamine to provide the needed raw materials for the energy they need. Thiamine also plays a role in keeping the immune system strong. Thiamine deficiency in the United States is frequently caused by alcoholism, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Heart failure or wet beriberi can result from thiamine deficiency.
Thiamine
The Linus Pauling Institute recommends 1.2 mg of thiamin per day for men and 1.1 mg per day for women. A varied diet should provide enough thiamin for most people. Foods that provide thiamine include oranges, rice, peas, lentils, white bread, fortified cereals, cantaloupes, milk and eggs.
Deficiency
People who abuse alcohol are susceptible to thiamine deficiency due to poor nutrition and alcohol's effect on thiamine absorption. People with AIDS and pregnant women may have increased thiamine needs which are not met through diet alone because of malabsorption. Deficiency can also occur because diuretics decrease reabsorption of thiamine through the kidneys. Anti-thiamine factors in certain foods may also cause deficiency. For instance consuming large quantities of coffee and tea or chewing tea leaves can cause nutrition depletion because of anti-thiamine factors.
Wet Beriberi
Dry beriberi is the disease that occurs with thiamine deficiency. It is characterized by nerve damage and loss of motor function. Wet beriberi is heart failure due to thiamine deficiency. Symptoms of fluid buildup around the heart, a rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing and edema or swelling can be signs of wet beriberi. These symptoms are also the classic symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Replacement Therapy
While replenishment with intravenous thiamine can help restore some of the normal motor activity that is lost in thiamine deficiency, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that increasing thiamine does not help people with heart failure that is not related to thiamine deficiency. The duration of the deficiency seems to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.
