Beriberi Disease: Causes & Symptoms

Beriberi is an illness characterised by a vitamin B1 deficiency, often known as thiamine insufficiency. People in underdeveloped nations who consume a lot of white rice or other highly refined carbs frequently develop it.

There are two types of the disease:

• wet beriberi
• dry beriberi

The circulatory and heart systems are impacted by wet beriberi. Wet beriberi can occasionally result in cardiac failure.

Dry beriberi harms the nerves, which can result in weakened muscles and ultimately muscle paralysis. In the absence of treatment, beriberi may be fatal.

You have a lower risk of acquiring beriberi if you have access to meals high in thiamine. Beriberi is a condition that now predominantly affects people with alcohol use disorders in the United States. It can also be a side effect of weight loss surgery.

Beriberi from other sources is uncommon. However, the illness can be seen in:

• Pregnant women who experience severe morning sickness and vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum)
• AIDS patients
• Persons who have undergone bariatric surgery

What are the symptoms of beriberi?

Depending on the type, beriberi can cause various symptoms.

Symptoms of wet beriberi include:

• breathing problems during exercising
• waking up breathless 
• fast heartbeat
• enlarged lower legs

Symptoms of dry beriberi include:

• reduced muscular activity, especially in both lower legs
• On both sides, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• pain
• mental confusion
• difficulty in speaking
• vomiting
• involuntary eye movement
• paralysis

Beriberi is sometimes linked to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Two types of brain injury brought on by thiamine shortage are Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome.

The thalamus and hypothalamus are both affected by Wernicke encephalopathy. This syndrome may result in:

• confusion
• memory loss
• loss of muscle coordination
• visual issues including double vision and quick eye movement

The area of the brain where memories are formed has been permanently damaged, leading to Korsakoff syndrome. It may lead to:

• loss of memory
• being unable to create new memories
• hallucinations

What causes beriberi?

A diet lacking in thiamine is the main contributor to beriberi. In areas where bread and various breakfast cereals are available, the condition is quite uncommon.

According to the National Institutes of Health, beriberi is most prevalent in areas of the world where people consume unenriched, processed white rice, which has half as much thiamine as brown rice.