Effects of betel nut and fermented fish on the thiamin status of northeastern Thais

Abstract

Thiamin deficiency could result either from inadequate intake of thiamin or consumption of food containing antithiamin factors. Dietary surveys conducted in northeastern Thailand indicated that both thiamin and caloric intake of subjects under studies were sufficient. In Thailand, correlation exists between the consumption of food containing antithiamin factors and the prevalence of thiamin deficiency. Betel nuts and raw fermented fish possess antithiamin activity. Abstention from both betel nut chewing and raw fermented fish consumption resulted in a significant reduction of thiamin pyrophosphate effect. The thiamin pyrophosphate effect again increased significantly when the subjects resume their chewing habits. Cooking of fermented fish destroyed thiaminase, resulted in a significant decrease of thiamin pyrophosphate effect of the subjects. Thiamin supplementation (10 mg/day) could further reduce their thiamin pyrophosphate effect. This amount of thiamin could counteract the effect of raw fermented fish consumption but was not sufficient to neutralize the effect of betel nut chewing.

Blood thiamin status and determinants in the population of Seychelles (Indian Ocean)

“…The negative relation found between fish and thiamin, although fish contains fair amounts of thiamin, may be an artefact explained by the small between individuals variability of fish intake in the country-90% of the population eat fish every day-and residual confounding as fish correlated positively with alcohol (which relates negatively to thiamin) and negatively with meat and vegetables (which both relate positively to thiamin). An eVect caused by anti-thiamin activity in fish is unlikely as such an antithiamin activity has been reported in raw or fermented fish [39][40][41] both of which are almost never consumed in Seychelles. Tea has also been reported to be associated with low blood thiamin caused by thiaminase, inhibition of thiamin utilisation, reduced urinary excretion of thiamin, and reduced erythrocyte transketolase activity.…”

Clinical correlates and outcome of Shoshin Beriberi

“…[18] Betel nut has also been shown to possess antithiamine activity. [19] Both fish and betel nut are consumed widely in this region. The reporting of such cases necessitates the need for a larger study to explore the role of such dietary ingredients in precipitating such devastating manifestations in apparently healthy individuals.…”

Adverse effects on health posed by consumption of Areca nut (Areca catechu L., family: Palmaceae)

“…ROS can cause many harmful effects such as oxidative and chromosomal damage of DNA, which could be involved in several stages of the carcinogenic process in oral mucosa. 36,37 Some studies found that use of betel nut was associated with thiamine deficiency, 38,39 aggravated effects of vitamin-D deficiency 40 and was associated with central obesity, hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus 41,42 cirrhosis 43 and goiter. 44 Various studies have shown that betel nut use during pregnancy has adverse effect on birth outcomes, including low birth weight, shorter birth length, and preterm delivery.…”