Understanding Beriberi and Its Causes?

Thiamine is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in energy metabolism and nerve function. A deficiency can result from:

• Inadequate dietary intake – Alcohol interferes with thiamine absorption and storage
• Malabsorption disorders – Conditions like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease reduce nutrient absorption
• Increased thiamine demand – Seen in pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, or severe infections

Types of Beriberi?

Beriberi is classified into two main types based on the affected body system:

• Wet Beriberi - Affects the cardiovascular system, leading to:
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in the legs (edema)
• Rapid heartbeat
• Heart failure in severe cases
• Dry Beriberi – Affects the nervous system, causing:
• Nerve damage and muscle weakness
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• Difficulty walking or paralysis in severe cases
• Mental confusion and memory problems

A severe form of beriberi, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, occurs in alcoholics and affects brain function, leading to confusion, lack of coordination, and memory loss.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Beriberi?

Symptoms of beriberi vary depending on the type but may include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Difficulty breathing or swelling in the legs
• Nerve pain, tingling, or muscle wasting
• Confusion, irritability, or memory loss

Doctors diagnose beriberi through:

• Medical history and dietary evaluation – Assessing risk factors like alcohol use or poor diet
• Blood tests – Checking thiamine levels
• Neurological and physical exams – Evaluating nerve and heart function

Treatment Options for Beriberi?

Beriberi is treated by restoring thiamine levels through:

• Thiamine supplements – Given orally or by injection in severe cases
• Dietary changes – Increasing intake of thiamine-rich foods like whole grains, nuts, beans, meat, and dairy
• Managing underlying conditions – Treating alcoholism or malabsorption disorders

Early treatment can fully reverse symptoms, but severe nerve or heart damage may be permanent if left untreated.

When to Seek Medical Help for Beriberi?

See a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent fatigue, weakness, or numbness
• Swelling in the legs or difficulty breathing
• Mental confusion or coordination problems

Beriberi is preventable with a balanced diet rich in vitamin B1, making proper nutrition essential for overall health.