Primary prevention

Coordinated, evaluated, public health actions are required to eradicate thiamine deficiency as a major cause of infant pathology and mortality in many lower and middle income countries.[10] 

Several countries, including the US, fortify foods such as breads and cereals with thiamine, but additional supplementation is required to be an effective preventative strategy in people who misuse alcohol.[40][52][53]

Specific preventive measures

Where diets are low in thiamine, risk of thiamine deficiency can be reduced through increased consumption of thiamine-rich foods, or reduced consumption of polished rice.[10]​[54]

Patients requiring specialised nutrition therapy should receive (at least) the recommended daily allowance of oral, enteral, or parenteral thiamine.[1]​

Reducing the incidence of alcohol misuse disorders, and preventing chronic malnutrition in people with alcohol misuse disorders, is likely to reduce the incidence of thiamine deficiency.

Secondary prevention

If the cause of vitamin B1 deficiency cannot be corrected, long-term oral thiamine supplementation should be considered. The likelihood of compliance and the ability to absorb oral therapy should be taken into account.

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