Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) has scientific support for its use in certain heart conditions, particularly in cases where deficiency is present. Thiamine is an essential coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism, and its deficiency can lead to beriberi, which manifests in two forms: "dry" (neurological) and "wet" (cardiac). Wet beriberi is characterized by symptoms of heart failure, including tachycardia, edema, and weakened cardiac output. This connection has been recognized since the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when thiamine deficiency was linked to cardiac dysfunction.

More recent clinical studies have observed that thiamine deficiency is relatively common among patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), particularly those receiving long-term diuretic therapy, which can deplete thiamine levels. Several small-scale clinical trials and observational studies have shown that thiamine supplementation in deficient CHF patients can improve left ventricular ejection fraction and reduce symptoms of heart failure. For example, a 1995 randomized trial (Shimon et al.) found improved cardiac function in CHF patients given thiamine.

However, the evidence is not robust across all populations. Thiamine supplementation is primarily beneficial in those with confirmed or suspected deficiency rather than as a general treatment for all forms of heart weakness. Large-scale, high-quality trials are limited, and current guidelines recommend thiamine primarily for individuals at risk of deficiency. In summary, thiamine’s use for heart weakness is scientifically validated in cases of deficiency, but not as a universal therapy for cardiac conditions.

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