Thiamine deficiency in pregnancy and lactation: implications and present perspectives

During pregnancy, many physiologic changes occur in order to accommodate fetal growth. These changes require an increase in many of the nutritional needs to prevent long-term consequences for both mother and the offspring. One of the main vitamins that are needed throughout the pregnancy is thiamine (vitamin B1) which is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in many metabolic and physiologic processes in the human body. Thiamine deficiency during pregnancy can cause can have many cardiac, neurologic, and psychological effects on the mother. It can also dispose the fetus to gastrointestinal, pulmonological, cardiac, and neurologic conditions. This paper reviews the recently published literature about thiamine and its physiologic roles, thiamine deficiency in pregnancy, its prevalence, its impact on infants and subsequent consequences in them. This review also highlights the knowledge gaps within these topics.

Automated summary

During pregnancy, there are physiological changes that require an increase in nutritional needs, particularly for thiamine (vitamin B1). Thiamine deficiency in pregnancy can have detrimental effects on both the mother and fetus, leading to various physical and neurological conditions. This review explores the physiological roles of thiamine, its prevalence and impact during pregnancy, and highlights the knowledge gaps in this area.