Beriberi (Thiamine Deficiency): Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

The human body is an astonishingly intricate and robust system. Consisting of billions of neurons to trillions of cells, each has a crucial role to play. Similarly, when it comes to vitamins there are broadly 13 essential vitamins playing a vital role in maintaining overall health by supporting various bodily functions. A deficiency of any of these vitamins can lead to various health problems, some of the commonly known vitamin deficiencies and their health impact include, vitamin D deficiency leads to the weakening of immunity, vitamin C deficiency can cause fatigue, bleeding gums, etc. One such lesser-known deficiency that can cause pain, decreased muscle function, loss of feeling, etc. is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1. 

Beriberi is a disease caused by severe deficiency of vitamin B1. Also referred to as thiamine deficiency is common among people with poor diet, chronic alcohol use, certain medical conditions, people with a diet consisting mostly of white rice or highly refined carbohydrates, etc.

Vitamin B1 or thiamine plays an important role in the body by converting food into energy. Vitamin B1 can be found in eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, legumes, beans, etc. Thiamine was the first vitamin B that scientists discovered that’s what the number ‘1’ denotes. 

Types of Beriberi (Thiamine Deficiency)

Beriberi is a public health concern in certain regions of India, particularly those where diets heavily rely on polished rice. Beriberi is classified into two different types including wet beriberi and dry beriberi. 

Wet Beriberi

Wet beriberi is characterised as a condition that affects the cardiovascular system. Wet beriberi can lead to n the tissues. Individuals suffering from wet beriberi may experience rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, swelling in the body, etc. Additionally, wet beriberi is considered a medical emergency and may require immediate treatment. 

Dry Beriberi

Dry beriberi is known to affect the nervous system and can lead to decreased muscle strength and gradually to muscle paralysis. Dry beriberi is a life-threatening condition if it isn’t treated. Individuals diagnosed with dry beriberi usually experience numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, muscle weakness, confusion, and more.

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Causes of Beriberi 

The name ‘beriberi’ is derived from a Sinhalese (ethnic group of people who live in Sri Lanka) phrase meaning extreme weakness or ‘I cannot, I cannot’ (beri-beri). The primary cause behind beriberi is poor dietary intake. Other factors behind this include impaired thiamine absorption, increased thiamine requirements, excessive alcohol consumption, rare genetic conditions, etc. 

Poor/Inadequate Intake

The main cause behind beriberi is associated with a diet lacking in thiamine. Additionally, a diet high on polished white rice or high refined carbohydrates can also lead to deficiency.

Improper Thiamine Absorption

Another factor that causes deficiency is related to the conditions that interfere with the body’s ability to absorb thiamine from food. Conditions like gastrointestinal diseases, alcoholism, etc. can lead to beriberi.

Excess Alcohol Consumption

Chronic alcohol consumption can affect the body’s ability to absorb and utilize thiamine. Additionally, it may even lead to increasing its excretion.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions including HIV, AIDS, kidney dialysis, and severe infections can lead to thiamine deficiency in the body. 

Prolonged Vomiting

Thiamine deficiency may also occur in people with severe sickness and eating disorders. Additionally, women who have extreme nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are also prone to develop the condition.

Rare Genetic Disorders

Rare genetic conditions can affect thiamine absorption/metabolism and can lead to beriberi.

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Symptoms of Beriberi (Vitamin B1 Deficiency)

The symptoms of beriberi vary depending on the type.

Symptoms of Wet Beriberi

Wet beriberi affects the heart and the cardiovascular system and leads to symptoms like:

Rapid Heart Rate

Individuals affected with wet beriberi may experience rapid heart rate, the heart may feel like it is racing or fluttering.

Shortness of Breath

Another major sign of wet beriberi involves difficulty breathing, especially during the night/while sleeping.

Swelling of the Lower Legs

Deficiency of thiamine can lead to fluid buildup the the legs and feet leading to swelling of the legs.

Heart Failure

A severe sign of wet beriberi involves affecting the heart, leading to affecting the heart’s function to pump blood effectively. 

Chest Pain

The deficiency can also cause chest pain due to strain on the heart.

Symptoms of Dry Beriberi

Dry beriberi affects the nervous system leading to signs including,

Difficulty Walking

Dry beriberi can affect the nervous system leading to impaired motor function and balance affecting the ability to walk.

Muscle Weakness

Dry beriberi can cause gradual weight loss and muscle thinning. Additionally, causing difficulty in performing daily tasks due to weakness.

Tingling, Burning, or Numbness

Beriberi can lead to nerve-related symptoms including tingling, burning or numbness in the hands, loss of reflexes, muscle pain or weakness, etc.

Memory Problems & Confusion

Beriberi can also lead to confusion, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems. 

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Treatment of Beriberi (Thiamine Deficiency)

Beriberi is a condition resulting from a deficiency of vitamin B1/thiamine (a water-soluble vitamin). Treatment of this condition involves:

Supplements

Treatment through supplements involves taking oral thiamine supplements for several weeks before the symptoms improve. Additionally, in severe cases intravenous thiamine may be recommended or supplements may be suggested for a longer period.

Dietary Changes

Dietary changes involve including thiamine-rich food in everyday diet to fulfil the requirement. Adding food including whole grains, dairy, eggs, fortified cereals & bread, etc. 

Treatment of Underlying Cause

This involves treating the underlying cause behind the deficiency including, malabsorption, alcoholism, etc. Medical conditions like Crohn’s disease or chronic diarrhoea can lead to malabsorption while excess alcohol consumption can affect the body’s ability for absorption of the vitamin. 

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FAQs

Is beriberi a communicable disease?

No, beriberi is not a communicable disease and is caused by a deficiency of thiamine.

Who discovered beriberi?

The deficiency disease was discovered by a Dutch physician and professor Christiaan Eijkman.

Is beriberi a skin disease?

No, beriberi is not a skin disease. It is a disease caused by nutritional deficiency. 

Is beriberi contagious?

No, beriberi is not contagious.

Is beriberi deadly?

Untreated beriberi can lead to severe complications including, heart failure, severe paralysis, permanent damage to the nervous system, etc.

Is beriberi normal in pregnancy?

No, beriberi is not normal in pregnancy. 

Why is it called beriberi?

Beriberi is derived from a Sinhalese (ethnic group of people who live in Sri Lanka) phrase meaning extreme weakness or ‘I cannot, I cannot’ (beri-beri).