Intravenous Multivitamins In Short Supply

The government is warning hospitals about a national shortage of intravenous food mixtures with multivitamins, which has caused thiamine deficiencies in at least three people this year.

Patients who can’t eat because of stomach problems or surgery are fed nutrients intravenously. But multivitamins must be included in the mix so they won’t become sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

In November, Schein Industries of Florham Park, N.J., discontinued their multivitamin mixtures, leading to a shortage.

This year, three people who were fed the mixtures without multivitamins developed muscle cramps, dehydration and other symptoms from thiamine deficiency.