What it means
A water-soluble B vitamin found in whole grains, pork, beans and fortified foods. A lack of it is most common in people with heavy alcohol use and poor nutrition, and after weight-loss surgery or long vomiting. Severe lack causes Wernicke encephalopathyVER-nih-kee en-sef-uh-LOP-uh-theeA sudden, serious brain disorder that results from a severe lack of thiamine (vitamin B1).encephal/o brain-pathy diseaseFull entry (confusion, unsteady walking and eye movement problems), which can lead to lasting memory loss, and beriberi, which affects the nerves and heart.
For the nurse
In clients with heavy alcohol use, thiamine is usually given before or with IV glucose, since glucose can bring on Wernicke encephalopathy when thiamine is low.
At a glance
| Drug class | vitamin (B1) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | tiamina |
| Also written | vitamin B1 |
Related terms
vitamin
A substance the body needs in small amounts for normal growth and function, mostly from food.
riboflavin
Vitamin B2, a vitamin the body needs to turn food into energy and keep skin and eyes healthy.
Wernicke encephalopathy
A sudden, serious brain disorder that results from a severe lack of thiamine (vitamin B1).