RE: Thiamin vs copper deficiency

[Guest guest]

When I suspect thiamin deficiency at a minimum I have them start 2 B-50

per day until the result is in. If I am sure it will come back

deficient (usually if there is jumpy eyes and definite memory problems)

then I have on occasion advocated for IM thiamin prior to the lab result

and decide between 3 vs 5 days of IM thiamin once the result is in. If

she is vomiting that much then you may need to advocate for IM treatment

as well. It is difficult to decide treatment when the result takes 5-7

days to come back but there is not really any harm in treating!

Remember, we give thiamin to any alcoholic who comes in and we don't

usually have a lab result, even after treatment.

I am concerned that your description may not be just thiamin, what about

Vitamin A with the poor night vision. I would also want to be sure it

wasn't B12, (or subclinical B12 with high MMA), folate or copper.

Good luck

Diane Olson MS, RD, CDE

UW Health Bariatric Surgery Program

(608) 265-1718

dl.olson@...

Thiamin vs copper deficiency

I have a pt 3 months post-op bypass (had a stricture? at 1 month post-

op) and she c/o N/V ever since. The MD is working on that part of

things. The problem is she says she vomits the majority of her vit/min

supplement up. Now she comes in c/o tingling in leg/hip area, pain in

abdomen, poor night vision, fatigue. Do I need to give her IV thiamin,

thiamin injection, and/or thiamin pills (which she may vomit up

anyways)? And how much? Or, could this be copper? The blood tests

won't be back for a week! Thank You!!!! --