Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
For the health condition: Anorexia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is scientifically validated for use in the management of anorexia, particularly anorexia nervosa, but its use is primarily targeted at preventing and treating thiamine deficiency rather than directly addressing the psychological aspects of the eating disorder. Individuals with anorexia nervosa, due to prolonged restriction of food intake, are at high risk for multiple micronutrient deficiencies, including thiamine. Thiamine deficiency can lead to serious complications such as Wernicke's encephalopathy, which presents with confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia, and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. Clinical guidelines for the refeeding of malnourished patients, including those with anorexia, specifically recommend thiamine supplementation to prevent this complication, especially during the initial stages of nutritional rehabilitation. There is robust scientific evidence and expert consensus supporting this practice, as detailed in clinical guidelines and reviews. However, it should be noted that thiamine supplementation does not treat the underlying eating disorder itself; rather, it addresses a critical nutritional deficiency that can arise as a consequence of the disorder. Thus, the evidence supports thiamine's use as an adjunctive therapy in the medical management of anorexia-related complications, rather than as a direct treatment for anorexia itself.
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
AlcoholismAnorexia
Burning Feet or Hands
Cardiovascular Disease
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Heart (weakness)
Memory and Brain Function
Nerve Damage
Peripheral Neuropathy