Why does thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency primarily disrupt carbohydrate metabolism?

💡 Explanation

Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), a derivative of thiamine, acts as a crucial cofactor for enzymes like pyruvate dehydrogenase in carbohydrate metabolism. A deficiency impairs these enzymes because the cofactor is missing, therefore carbohydrate metabolism is specifically disrupted, rather than affecting fat or protein pathways.

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