Which statement about thiamine deficiency is true?

• A. It can lead to Wernicke encephalopathy.
• B. It cannot occur with alcoholism.
• C. It is treated with high-dose vitamin C.
• D. It resolves on its own without supplementation.

Answer: (A)

Thiamine deficiency disrupts brain energy production because thiamine is a crucial cofactor for enzymes that metabolize glucose in the nervous system. When levels are very low, brain cells don’t get the energy they need, which can progress to Wernicke encephalopathy, an acute neurologic emergency. Wernicke encephalopathy presents with confusion, unsteadiness (ataxia), and eye movement abnormalities, and it requires rapid treatment with high‑dose thiamine. In practice, thiamine should be given promptly in at-risk patients (especially those with alcoholism) before giving glucose to help prevent worsening brain injury.

The true statement—thiamine deficiency can lead to Wernicke encephalopathy—fits this mechanism and averted risk. The other options don’t fit because alcoholism is a major risk factor for deficiency (so it can occur with alcoholism, not cannot), vitamin C is not the treatment (thiamine, given in high doses, is), and deficiency does not resolve on its own without supplementation.