E51: Thiamine deficiency

E51.2: Wernicke encephalopathy

Vitamins are substances the body needs for many tasks. The body is unable produce most vitamins by itself. These vitamins must be taken in through food. There are various subtypes of vitamin B. These are distinguished with successive numbers. Vitamin B1 is important for many processes in the body. Among other things, it is needed to redirect signals between nerves.

Vitamin B1 is most notably contained in wholegrain foods, legumes and pork. Sometimes you will also have insufficient vitamin B1 in your body because the intestines cannot absorb it properly. A vitamin B1 deficiency is also encouraged for instance if you regularly drink too much alcohol.

If you have insufficient vitamin B1 in your body, you may not be able to move your eyes properly and your vision will thus be worse. Furthermore, you may have balance problems, especially when walking or standing. You may have increasing difficulty remembering things or no longer be fully conscious.