This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Vitamins and Minerals, Subject name: Biochemistry
Wernicke encephalopathy is due to deficiency of: 
Select and explain. 
A. Thiamine, B. Biotin, C. Niacin, D. Hydroxycobalamin
A: Thiamine
Answer: A: Thiamine 
Explanation: Ans. A Thiamine* The active form of thiamine (Vitamin B1) is thiamine pyrophosphate which is formed by the transfer of a pyrophosphate group from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to thiamine.* Thiamine deficiency is diagnosed by an increase in erythrocyte transketolase activity observed on addition of TPP Deficiency of thiamine leads to:* Beriberi: A severe thiamine deficiency syndrome occurs due to intake of polished rice.* Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: Associated with chronic alcoholism, which occurs due to dietary insufficiency or impaired dietary absorption of the vitamin. In some alcoholics there is development of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a thiamine deficiency syndrome characterized by confusion, ataxia and nystagmus with Wernicke's encephalopathy as well as memory problems, hallucination and dementia.