•Address the Cause(s)
very poor
diet reliant upon white rice and sugar, alcohol XS,, persistent vomiting, unintentional weight
loss >5%
•Dietary Advice
healthy
eating – wholegrain cereals, pork, eggs, fish, nuts
fortified
foods – UK white flour/bread, some breakfast cereals
•
•Supplement with appropriate amounts of
nutrient
Severe
deficiency (confusion, ataxia, neurological signs, heart failure) especially if alcohol XS –
parenteral injections (BNF)
Mild
deficit/poor diet oral B1 25-100ug X 3 /day for >2 months
•
•Consider need for other nutrients
Assess
folate, zinc and other nutrients if alcohol XS, wt loss Many will also need vit B Co Forte x 3/day or
multivitamins
•
•Once main deficiency corrected
Treat >2 months or until full neurological/cardiac recovery Many need long-term vit. B (thiamin >5 mg/day) /multivitamin
Caution if
cancer especially if rapid growing