The Truth About What Causes Beriberi and How to Avoid It
BERI-BERI Beriberi is a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency disease that affects many body systems, including the muscles, heart, nerves, and digestive system. Beriberi means "I can't, I can't" in sing-halse, reflecting the crippling effect it has on its victims. It is common in parts of Southeast Asia where white rice is the staple food. In the United States, beriberi occurs in people with chronic alcoholism. Causes There is usually only one main cause of beriberi: • Lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the diet This condition can also have another reason: • Alcohol abuse – people who drink a lot may not have enough vitamin B1 (thiamine) • Baby food – there may be some special baby food that may not contain enough vitamin B1 (thiamine) • Dialysis – can often cause deficiencies of all nutrients, but especially water-soluble ones such as vitamin B1 (thiamine) • Diuretics – long-term use of diuretics can cause a deficiency of all nutrients, but especially water-soluble ones s...