Beriberi - Vitamin B1 deficiency

There are two main forms of beriberi, which is caused by lack of Vitamin B1. When there is a low calorie intake and high levels of inactivity beriberi tends to affect the central nervous system.



This is known as dry beriberi and can eventually lead to paralysis. Less serious cases result in poor coordination and the tightening of muscles.

The second form, known as wet beriberi, is linked with very high activity levels and eating large amounts of carbohydrates. Symptoms include sweating, high heart rates and warm skin which if not treated lead to heart failure and death. Extremely high levels of B1 deficiency can lead to less blood flow into the brain, a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This can cause confusion and involuntary movements of the eyes, which if untreated leads to coma and eventual death.



Beriberi is uncommon in developed western countries, most often found where a main portion of the diet consists of rice, which is not able to provide the vitamin B1 necessary for body functions. In about 50% of cases there is a complete recovery when vitamin B1 is added to the diet.