Investigation of choice in Thiamine deficiency is: (A) RBC-Thiamine levels, (B) RBC - Transketolase levels, (C) RBC - Glutathione reductase levels, (D) WBC - Ascorbic acid levels
Answer is B. Severe thiamine deficiency is associated with: Decreased RBC transketolase activity this is the earliest manifestation seen even before clinical disturbances Thiamin is a cofactor of Transketolase pyruvate, alpha-ketoglutarate and lactate level in blood increases in thiamine deficiency ref: DM Vasudevan 8th ed page 467