198k views
1 vote
A thiamin deficiency would most commonly be seen in the United States in what population?

a) Elderly
b) Athletes
c) Alcoholics
d) Children

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Thiamine deficiency is most commonly seen in alcoholics in the United States due to poor dietary habits and the interference of alcohol with thiamine absorption and utilization.

Step-by-step explanation:

A thiamine deficiency would most commonly be seen in the United States in alcoholics. This is because chronic alcohol consumption can interfere with thiamine absorption and utilization, leading to a condition known as Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is an acute manifestation of thiamine deficiency. Additionally, alcoholics may have poor dietary habits that contribute to inadequate intake of thiamine. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency include loss of appetite, weakness, cardiovascular changes, muscular atrophy, and gastrointestinal disorders. The clinical conditions associated with severe thiamine deficiency are known as Beri-Beri, which can be classified as Dry Beri-Beri, predominantly featuring nervous symptoms or polyneuritis, and Wet Beri-Beri, which includes edema and serous effusions.

User Thomaskeefe
by
8.1k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.