Thiamin and pyridoxine requirements during intravenous hyperalimentation

Abstract

Studies were undertaken to determine rational dosages of vitamin B(1) and B(6) during long-term intravenous hyperalimentation, using more sensitive techniques than formerly used to evaluate B(1) and B(6) status. A standard vitamin combiation, type A, (usually commercially available products) has been used up to now because of convenience, disregarding the effects of long-term administration. This combination lacks biotin, folic acid, and vitamin E and contains from 10 to 100 times the dietary allowances of such vitamins as B(1), B(2), B(6), B(12), and C. In response to the possibility of vitamin overdose, two new vitamin combinations, type B (from commercial products) and type C (a convenient and easily administered combination produced at the hospital) were developed in order to provide the normal dietary allowances and at the same time eliminate any harmful side-effects. From the results obtained, 5 mg/day for thiamin HC1 and 3 mg/day for pyridoxine HC1 in type B and type C were found to be a sufficient and safe level as opposed to 55 mg/day for thiamin HC1 and 102 mg/day for pyridoxine HC1 in type A.