Thiamine Use in Sepsis: B1 for Everyone?

Abstract

Every year, sepsis affects nearly 30 million people worldwide, with current annual estimates reporting as many as 6 million deaths. To combat the staggering number of patients who are affected by sepsis, clinicians continue to investigate novel treatment approaches. One treatment approach that has gained interest is the role that vitamins and nutrients play in the body's response to sepsis. Thiamine, in particular, has been studied because of its role in glucose metabolism and lactate production. This review provides a summary of the current literature surrounding the use of thiamine in the treatment of sepsis and describes the function of this essential nutrient in sepsis pathology. We also aim to provide clinicians with the necessary understanding to recognize the potential for thiamine deficiency, as well as detail the role of thiamine supplementation in the treatment of sepsis.