Diseases
beriberi
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Beriberi is a deficiency of thiamin, more commonly known as vitamin B1. Your body needs thiamin to break down and digest the foods you eat, to keep your metabolism going, and help your muscles and nervous system do their jobs effectively. Beriberi can affect the cardiovascular system or central nervous system.
Symptoms
- wet beriberi affects the cardiovascular system.
- dry beriberi can damage the central nervous system (cns).
- weakness and muscle loss
- mental confusion
- tingling or loss of sensitivity in the fingers or feet
Causes
- beriberi occurs mostly in people who abuse alcohol.
Risk factors
- breastfed babies whose mothers are thiamin deficient
- those who eat a high-carbohydrate diet, especially refined carbs
- people engaged in extremely high amounts of physical activity or exercise
Diagnosis
- blood tests
- urine test.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is beriberi?
Beriberi is a deficiency of thiamin, more commonly known as vitamin B1. Your body needs thiamin to break down and digest the foods you eat, to keep your metabolism going, and help your muscles and nervous system do their jobs effectively. Beriberi can affect the cardiovascular system or central nervous system.
What are the symptoms of beriberi?
wet beriberi affects the cardiovascular system., dry beriberi can damage the central nervous system (cns)., weakness and muscle loss, mental confusion, tingling or loss of sensitivity in the fingers or feet
What causes beriberi?
beriberi occurs mostly in people who abuse alcohol.
Which medicines are used for beriberi?
vitamin b1
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