What is beriberi

Beriberi is a syndrome characterized by a group of symptoms exhibited by people who are deficient in Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. Therefore, it usually afflicts malnourished individuals’, particularly in underdeveloped countries. Two kinds of beriberi are well known. Wet beriberi leads to cardiovascular dysfunction while dry beriberi results in necrosis and wearing down of the nervous system. If left untreated, it may cause cardiac failure, necrosis of nerves, or Wernicke’s Korsakoff syndrome.
Causes of Beriberi : Feeding mothers, lacking the vitamin may pass on the deficiency to their young ones via breastfeeding. Dialysis and usage of a heavy dose of diuretics may also increase the probability of a B1 deficiency. As told in the Nursing Nonprescription Drug Handbook , apart from nutrient-deficient food, there are several major causes of beriberi in developed countries. Hypothyroidism, poor absorption of nutrients from the diet, chronic alcoholism, and prolonged difficulties during pregnancy may also result in this thiamine deficiency disease.