In plain words
Thiamine is vitamin B1. The body uses it to turn carbohydrates into energy, and it supports nerves and the heart. The body stores only a small amount, so ongoing low intake can lead to shortage. In pregnancy, prolonged vomiting can cause a deficiency. Signs can include confusion, unsteady walking, and eye movement problems. These signs are serious and need urgent care. Thiamine is found in whole grains, legumes, pork, and fortified cereals. Many prenatal vitamins contain it. Clinicians may give thiamine as part of care for severe vomiting, and they check for other causes when symptoms are unusual.
The deeper version
Thiamine pyrophosphate is a cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and transketolase; deficiency causes and beriberi. Prolonged hyperemesis is a recognized cause in pregnancy, raising the risk of deficiency. Clinical priorities in include early aggressive treatment, prevention of thiamine deficiency and electrolyte complications, attention to psychiatric morbidity, and exclusion of other causes when presentation is atypical (ACOG Practice Bulletin 189, , 2018). Reference intakes are set by the National Academies.
Where it comes up
- Eating when nothing sounds goodPregnancy: Eating
- Hyperemesis gravidarum: when sickness is severePregnancy: Your Body
What mothers here say about thiamine
No one has posted under this term yet.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy, Practice Bulletin 189, 2018
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline, 1998