Beriberi

Beriberi is a nutritional disorder caused by a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1), and it damages either the cardiovascular system, as wet beriberi, or the nervous system, as dry beriberi. It is rare where foods are fortified and now occurs mostly with heavy alcohol use; infants of thiamine-deficient mothers and populations relying on polished rice or refined flour are also exposed. Other risks include kidney dialysis, high-dose diuretic therapy and, uncommonly, an inherited inability to absorb thiamine. Wet beriberi brings breathlessness, a fast heartbeat and swollen lower legs, while dry beriberi causes numbness, tingling, weak legs, difficulty walking, confusion and abnormal eye movements. Clinicians recognise it from the examination, and blood or urine tests can measure thiamine. Treatment replaces thiamine by injection or by mouth, sometimes with other vitamins; untreated beriberi can be fatal, whereas symptoms usually improve quickly once thiamine is restored.

Seek urgent care for very high thirst and urination with vomiting or drowsiness, or for severe weakness with a very slow or fast pulse. See a doctor for unexplained weight change, constant tiredness, feeling unusually hot or cold, or a family history of diabetes or thyroid disease. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.