Vitamin B1 is also known as?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

Vitamin B1 is scientifically and commonly known as Thiamine.
It is a water-soluble vitamin essential for energy metabolism, particularly the breakdown of carbohydrates into energy.
Historically, it was also called 'aneurine' or 'antiberiberi factor' due to its role in preventing the neurological disease beriberi.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nomenclature of B-complex vitamins as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently administer thiamine, especially to patients with chronic alcoholism, to prevent or treat Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious neurological condition characterized by confusion, ataxia, and vision changes.
Understanding the different B vitamins is crucial for patient education regarding diet and supplementation, particularly in cases of malnutrition, malabsorption syndromes, or specific metabolic disorders.
What if? If a patient presents with confusion, unsteady gait (ataxia), and abnormal eye movements (ophthalmoplegia), the nurse should suspect Wernicke's encephalopathy and anticipate an immediate order for intravenous thiamine administration, even before lab results are back.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of vitamin nomenclature.
First, identify the core of the question: linking 'Vitamin B1' to its common name.
Mentally review the names of the B-complex vitamins.
Evaluate each option: Pyridoxine (B6), Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), and Niacin (B3).
Select the option that correctly matches Vitamin B1.
Creating a mnemonic or flashcards for B-vitamin names can be helpful for memorization (e.g., 'The Romans Never Painted Pyramids Before College' for Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine, Biotin, Cobalamin).

Concept Tested & Keywords

QZq11PYUfQt4S1c7vMwZCz

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 132-134

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 202-204

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 288-290

Practise the full AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.