Israeli scientists investigated extended implications of vitamin B1 or thiamine deficiency in infants. More specifically, they observed and recorded how its near absence affects motor function in preschoolers. The control group consisted of 39 infants who were fed with a low-quality milk substitute during their first two years of life. Age of participants varied between five and six years. 

Assessment 

The researchers compared the motor performance of the control group preschoolers with healthy children of identical age. The motor function of the study participants were examined with Zuk Assessment and Movement Assessment Battery for Children. 

Considerable differences were observed and recorded between infants who enjoyed sufficient quantities of vitamin B1 consumption and of those who were unable to consume this particular compound. Statistically notable differences were stark in fine motor skills and function of balance control. There were noteworthy differences on the M-ABC testing carried out for the balance control functioning. It is discovered that preschoolers deficient in vitamin B1 suffers from higher motor function complications when contrasted with those children who had adequate quantities of the vitamin. 

Another study investigated the brain MR findings of infants suffering from encephalopathy. This is caused due to vitamin B1 deficiency. The control group has six infants with ages ranging from two to 10 months. These infants have been fed exclusively soy-based formula food where there is a marked absence of thiamine. This diet started at birth. The babies underwent their MR examination during admission. They were also examined every time during the follow-up. About 14 examinations were done. MR Spectroscopy was conducted on one particular baby. 

In five infants the proton attenuated sequences or fluid-attenuated inversion recovery displayed symmetric and also bilateral hyperintensity in thalami, periaqueductal area and basal ganglia. Five suffered lesions in mammillary bodies and three in the brain stem. The cortical region in all six patients were involved. The MRS of the periaqueductal area, on presentation, displayed lactate doublet. Three of the four infants, on follow up in the long term, showed extreme frontal damage. In two infants, this happened as a component of the diffuse parenchymal loss. In one infant, the parenchymal loss was accompanied by the atrophy of thalami and basal ganglia.

Conclusion

 It can be concluded that the absence or inadequate presence of thiamine has longer term effects on balance skills during childhood. Lower quality of this compound has a detrimental effect on fine motor skills. Infants deficient in vitamin B1 has greater incidences of problems related to motor function.

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