Signs and symptoms of thiamine deficiency can be easy to overlook, as they can be nonspecific and vague, sometimes mimicking symptoms of other conditions.
Loss of appetite
Experiencing an atypical loss of appetite can be one of the earliest symptoms of thiamine deficiency. Losing your appetite (not feeling hungry) can lead to unintentional weight loss, which can be problematic or unsafe.
One theory behind this is that thiamine may play a key role in regulating hunger and fullness cues in the brain. Inadequate stores of thiamine may disrupt how well this process works, making you feel full even when you may not actually be.
As a result, you may eat less than you usually would, due to a lack of appetite. This could cause you to potentially miss out on vital nutrients.
Animal studies have demonstrated this relationship. For instance, one study found that rats ate significantly less food after receiving a diet deficient in thiamine for 16 days. Their food intake dropped by almost 75% by day 22.
Furthermore, an increase in appetite and return to usual food intake returned once thiamine was added back to their diet.
Loss of appetite
Experiencing an atypical loss of appetite can be one of the earliest symptoms of thiamine deficiency. Losing your appetite (not feeling hungry) can lead to unintentional weight loss, which can be problematic or unsafe.
One theory behind this is that thiamine may play a key role in regulating hunger and fullness cues in the brain. Inadequate stores of thiamine may disrupt how well this process works, making you feel full even when you may not actually be.
As a result, you may eat less than you usually would, due to a lack of appetite. This could cause you to potentially miss out on vital nutrients.
Animal studies have demonstrated this relationship. For instance, one study found that rats ate significantly less food after receiving a diet deficient in thiamine for 16 days. Their food intake dropped by almost 75% by day 22.
Furthermore, an increase in appetite and return to usual food intake returned once thiamine was added back to their diet.