一些国家,包括美国,使用硫胺素强化面粉,但是没有证据表明这是一个有效的预防策略。[29]Yellowlees PM. Thiamine deficiency and prevention of the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: a major public health problem. Med J Aust. 1986;145:216-219.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3747898?tool=bestpractice.com在发达国家一个更为成功的预防方法可能是用硫胺素强化酒精饮品。尽管已经提议这样做,但还未实行。减少酒精滥用,预防慢性酒精滥用者的慢性营养不良,可以减少发达国家的硫胺素缺乏症发病率。
在某些国家,特别是在东亚,膳食主要是缺乏硫胺素的精制大米,维生素 B1 缺乏症和脚气病暴发很常见。[6]World Health Organisation, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Thiamine deficiency and its prevention and control in major emergencies. 1999. http://www.who.int (last accessed 30 August 2017).http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/emergencies/WHO_NHD_99.13/en/将豆类和/或坚果加入膳食中,可以降低脚气病的风险。[25]World Health Organization. The management of nutrition in major emergencies. 2000. http://www.who.int (last accessed 30 August 2017).http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/emergencies/9241545208/en/