2 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
Thiamine deficiency causes beriberi and is common in parts of rural Cambodia, where it appears to be a leading cause of infant death. The change in maternal and infant thiamine level after administration of thiamine to either Cambodian mothers or their infants is unknown. Normal human breast milk thiamine levels in thiamine-replete mothers are poorly characterized. The aim of this study is to determine if thiamine administered to nursing Cambodian mothers normalizes maternal and infant thiamine levels. Levels will also be obtained in nursing Caucasian mothers residing in the United States.
Thiamine micronutrient deficiency (TD) can cause a variety of non-specific symptoms and leads to several thiamine deficiency disorders such as heart failure, polyneuropathy, Wernicke's Encephalopathy and generalized weakness and debility. Symptoms are often vague and non-specific such as fatigue, leg swelling, imbalance, confusion, mood disorders, gastrointestinal upset, and weakness. Hospitalized Veterans may be particularly susceptible to TD due to food insecurity and chronic illnesses which cause inflammation and increased metabolic demands. This study aims to determine the prevalence of TD in hospitalized Veterans which has never been done before. The investigators also seek to identify risk factors causing TD including acute and chronic forms of inflammation, food insecurity, and dietary habits. Lastly, the investigators hope to clarify the abnormally low levels of blood thiamine that correlate with symptoms of TD that improve with replenishment.