Suboptimal Thiamin Status is Common in Women of Childbearing Age in Rural and Urban Cambodia

Abstract

Objectives: Thiamin deficiency causes beriberi, which is often fatal in infants who do not receive rapid treatment. Infantile beriberi appears to be common in Cambodia, likely because thiamin deficient mothers produce breast milk low in thiamin. Strategies may be needed to improve thiamin status; however, population representative thiamin data is required. Therefore, we measured erythrocyte thiamin diphosphate (TDP) concentration to assess thiamin status in Cambodian women of childbearing age. Methods: A representative sample of non-pregnant and non-lactating women of childbearing age (20-45 y) in urban Phnom Penh (n=146) and rural Prey Veng (n=156), and for comparison purposes, a convenience sample of urban women in Vancouver, Canada (n=49) were recruited. TDP was measured using HPLC. Results: The response rates were 91% in Phnom Penh and 98% in Prey Veng. Mean ± SD erythrocyte TDP was 100±38 and 87±26 nmol/L in Phnom Penh and Prey Veng, respectively; which were lower than in Canadian women, [128±38 nmol/L (P<0.001)]. Among Cambodian women, thiamin deficiency (TDP < 70 nmol/L) was more prevalent in Prey Veng (24%) than Phnom Penh (12%). Similarly, insufficient thiamin status (TDP < 90 nmol/L) was more prevalent among women living in Prey Veng (59%) than Phnom Penh (39%). Of Canadian women, 84% were thiamin sufficient (TDP > 90 nmol/L). Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of suboptimal thiamin status in Cambodian women of childbearing age, particularly in rural Prey Veng. Supplementation, fortification, and/or food-based strategies may be required to improve thiamin intake in Cambodian women. Funding: UBC Vitamin Research Fund.