Thiamin in the elderly--relation to alcoholism and to neurological degenerative disease.

Status of thiamin in the elderly North American population is reviewed. Most Americans eat sufficient thiamin but about 5% of those over 60 yr old show impaired thiamin status. This is more marked in the poor, those confined in institutions, or those with illness. Thiamin responsive heart disease and Wernicke Korsakoff CNS syndromes occur in the elderly but there is no increased prevalence. Minor heart or neurological syndromes related to thiamin deficiency cannot be identified. The Recommended Dietary Allowance of thiamin provides at least 50% excess thiamin for those over 60 yr old--this amount is adequate. There is no known toxicity for thiamin.