Synopsis

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

Thiamin (Vitamin B1) is an essential water-soluble vitamin involved in carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function. While "wasting" is a broad term, it often refers to progressive weight loss and muscle atrophy, frequently seen in malnutrition, chronic disease, or conditions like HIV/AIDS and cancer cachexia. Thiamin deficiency classically leads to beriberi, which manifests with muscle wasting, neuropathy, and cardiovascular symptoms. Supplementation with thiamin is scientifically validated for treating wasting that is directly attributable to thiamin deficiency, especially in settings of malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, or absorption disorders. Studies and clinical guidelines support thiamin administration in these contexts, as deficiency can rapidly lead to or exacerbate muscle wasting and weakness.

However, for wasting due to other causes (such as cancer or AIDS-related cachexia), routine thiamin supplementation has not been conclusively shown to reverse or significantly improve wasting unless deficiency is also present. There is limited but suggestive evidence that thiamin status may be compromised in some wasting conditions, and its supplementation is often considered as part of a broader nutritional support strategy. Overall, thiamin is an evidence-based treatment for wasting when deficiency is present, but its general use for all types of wasting lacks robust scientific validation.

More about Vitamin B1 (thiamin disulfide)
More about Wasting

Other ingredients used for Wasting

Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B1 (thiamin disulfide)

Products containing Vitamin B1 (thiamin disulfide)