Beriberi:

– A vitamin deficiency disease caused by inadequate bodily stores of thiamine.

– It can damage the heart and nervous system.

– Two major manifestations:

a) wet beriberi: a cardiovascular disease

b) dry beriberi: a nervous system disease

– Both types are caused by a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1), which can be precipitated by excessive alcohol consumption (poor thiamine absorption and storage) or a diet high in white rice.

Complications

a) Psychosis (abnormal condition of the mind that involves a “loss of contact with reality“)

b) Coma

c) Congestive heart failure (pumping defects)

d) Death

Prevention

– Adequate intake of thiamine, particularly by pregnant or breast-feeding women

– Heavy drinkers should try to cut down or quit and supplement diets with B-vitamins to ensure appropriate intake of thiamine.