We’re Giving Nature a Vitamin Deficiency

In the 1990s, researchers discovered that trout in the Great Lakes were suffering from thiamine deficiency, leading to strange behaviors and premature death. This issue was not isolated to trout, as many other species in the northern hemisphere were found to be lacking thiamine. Thiamine is crucial for cellular energy production, and its deficiency can cause severe health issues. The deficiency is linked to human activities, such as climate change and overfishing, which disrupt ecosystems. Solutions include local interventions and broader efforts to curb climate change.

How does climate change affect the availability of thiamine in aquatic ecosystems?

What are thiaminase-rich plants and how do they contribute to thiamine deficiency?

What is the significance of understanding thiamine deficiency in relation to human activities?

What measures have been taken to address thiamine deficiency in fish populations in the Great Lakes?