Unmissable Signs You're Running Low on Thiamine

13. Frequent Nightmares or Vivid Dreams

Sleep disturbances are a lesser-known but powerful sign of thiamine deficiency—particularly when they manifest as intense, emotionally charged dreams or frequent nightmares. Thiamine helps regulate neurotransmitters like GABA, which keep your brain from overfiring during sleep. A deficiency can disrupt this balance, leading to vivid, restless nights that leave you more exhausted than when you went to bed. If your sleep feels chaotic or you’re waking up emotionally drained from vivid dreams, your body may be signaling a deeper neurological nutrient gap worth investigating.

14. Cracked or Burning Lips

While commonly mistaken for dehydration or cold weather, cracked, sore, or burning lips can actually signal a nutritional deficiency—particularly of thiamine. This symptom often emerges subtly: lips feel unusually dry, the corners crack repeatedly, or there’s a burning sensation that no balm seems to fix. Thiamine supports the health of mucous membranes and tissues, so when levels dip, your lips may be among the first to show distress. If topical treatments aren’t working, it’s worth examining whether your diet supports essential B-vitamin intake, especially if other symptoms are present.