Prevalence of Thiamine Deficiency in Hospitalized Non-Alcoholic Veterans

Thiamine micronutrient deficiency (TD) can cause a variety of non-specific symptoms and leads to several thiamine deficiency disorders such as heart failure, polyneuropathy, Wernicke's Encephalopathy and generalized weakness and debility. Symptoms are often vague and non-specific such as fatigue, leg swelling, imbalance, confusion, mood disorders, gastrointestinal upset, and weakness. Hospitalized Veterans may be particularly susceptible to TD due to food insecurity and chronic illnesses which cause inflammation and increased metabolic demands. This study aims to determine the prevalence of TD in hospitalized Veterans which has never been done before. The investigators also seek to identify risk factors causing TD including acute and chronic forms of inflammation, food insecurity, and dietary habits. Lastly, the investigators hope to clarify the abnormally low levels of blood thiamine that correlate with symptoms of TD that improve with replenishment.

Inclusion Criteria: * full admission to the hospital medical service (not on observation status) Exclusion Criteria: * excess alcohol intake as defined by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism * taking thiamine supplement * quadriplegic * lives more than 75 miles from the medical center * unable to demonstrate capacity to understand the study and provide informed consent