Thiamine Blood Test - More Infomation

The vitamin B1 blood test, also known as a thiamine blood test, B1 test, and thiamine lab test, measures the thiamine blood level.

Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is an essential nutrient and B vitamin that is found in seeds, rice, grains and animal products like fish and meat. Thiamine is absorbed in the intestines but thiamine absorption can be blocked by excessive alcohol use or low vitamin folic acid levels which is why this test is sometimes ordered alongside the folate blood test. Once absorbed, much of the thiamine in the body is stored in red blood cells and some of it can also be found bound to proteins.

Thiamine is necessary for carbohydrate and branched-chain amino acid metabolism. Low thiamine levels, or thiamine deficiency, can cause fatigue, confusion, vision problems, nerve problems and weight loss. Sometimes referred to as beriberi when significant, low thiamine levels are often found in alcoholics. While some people might have a thiamine allergy, high thiamine levels generally do not cause major side effects.

To get a thiamine blood test near you, order online and get tested at your selected Quest lab location. Once your vitamin B1 lab results are ready, they will be available for download. As can be seen on the sample thiamine lab report above, the vitamin B1 blood levels are reported in nmol / L and can be compared against the reference range provided by the lab. High thiamine blood test results typically means that your B1 blood level is above the reference range, but it would have to be evaluated in a clinical context.

The thiamine lab test is sometimes ordered with the advanced vitamin panel for a more detailed vitamin level assessment.