B1hiány

B1hiány refers to a deficiency in vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. Thiamine is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism, nerve function, and muscle activity. A lack of thiamine can lead to a range of health problems, with the most severe being beriberi.

There are two main forms of beriberi: wet and dry. Wet beriberi primarily affects the cardiovascular system, causing symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and swelling in the lower legs. Dry beriberi affects the nervous system, leading to symptoms like difficulty walking, loss of sensation in the hands and feet, and paralysis.

Thiamine deficiency can be caused by insufficient dietary intake, particularly in diets heavily reliant on polished rice or other refined grains where the thiamine-rich outer layers are removed. Other contributing factors include alcoholism, which impairs thiamine absorption and increases its excretion, and certain medical conditions like hyperthyroidism or malabsorption disorders. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also increase thiamine requirements.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, assessment of symptoms, and sometimes blood tests to measure thiamine levels. Treatment for B1hiány involves thiamine supplementation, usually administered orally or intravenously depending on the severity of the deficiency. Dietary counseling is also important to ensure adequate thiamine intake in the future. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible neurological damage and other serious complications.