When your body struggles to absorb gluten the way it should, it could lead to the malabsorption of nutrients. One of the most common issues to see is damage to the GI tract from gluten exposure. This then goes on to cause inflammation and the eventual depletion of vitamin B1, also known as thiamin.
There are many reasons why those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease may struggle with getting enough thiamin in their diets. Malabsorption is just one of them. Another possible cause is that replacement gluten-free substitutes tend to be low in vitamin B1. They are fortified before being sold in the United States, but a deficiency could still occur.
How can you find out if you have a B1 deficiency?
It’s easy to find out if you have a B1 deficiency if your medical provider orders the right blood tests. They should be aware of the tests to order and be prepared to order them if gluten intolerances, allergies or Celiac disease are possibilities.
The symptoms of a B1 deficiency include:
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Depression
- Clouded thoughts
- Poor appetite
- Trouble digesting sugars (carbohydrates)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Trouble breathing
Failing to treat this deficiency can lead to heart damage, vascular damage, depression, and may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
Can medications deplete vitamin B1?
Yes. If you are on certain medications, your thiamin levels may be low. Diuretics, for example, may flush too much of the vitamin out of the body or prevent its absorption.
How can you get more thiamin in your diet?
Include pork, blackstrap molasses, liver and kidney organ meats, and other foods, such as mushrooms and broccoli, in your diet to increase your thiamin intake naturally. It’s also possible to receive thiamin supplements to help treat a deficiency.
If you are suffering from this deficiency but you are not treated appropriately, you could suffer injuries as a result. A misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis could negatively impact your life and lead to ongoing pain and suffering. It’s your right to hold a medical provider responsible if they did not order the correct tests despite the risk of this deficiency.