Beriberi
What is Beriberi?
Beriberi is a disease caused by a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the body. It is a silent disease that can cause serious and potentially fatal damage to the heart, nerves, and brain. Beriberi can affect adults and children. In the past, it was a common health problem, but it is now rare in countries where there is access to a balanced diet.
Symptoms of Beriberi
The symptoms of beriberi depend on the type of the disease. Common symptoms may include:
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
- Confusion and disorientation
- Unsteady gait or balance problems
- Pain or tingling in the arms and legs
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Enlarged heart
- Irregular heartbeat or heart failure
- Lack of feeling in the legs and feet
Causes of Beriberi
Beriberi is most commonly caused by a poor diet that does not contain enough thiamine, however it can also occur when the body is unable to absorb the thiamine it needs for proper functioning. This can occur due to:
- Alcoholism
- Kidney dialysis
- Chronic diarrhea
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Gastric bypass surgery
Treatment of Beriberi
Since beriberi is caused by a lack of thiamine, the main treatments are thiamine supplements or foods rich in thiamine. In cases of severe beriberi, intravenous thiamine is often necessary. It is important to take thiamine regularly to prevent recurrence of symptoms.
In addition, treatments may be focused on managing symptoms. These may include:
- Pain relievers
- Diuretic medications
- Fluid or electrolyte replacement
- Nutritional supplements
Prevention of Beriberi
Beriberi can be prevented by ensuring adequate thiamine intake. Thiamine is found in many foods, including:
- Lean meats, fish, and poultry
- Legumes
- Fortified breads and cereals
- Whole grains
- Fruits and vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
It is also possible to take a thiamine supplement if necessary. However, it is important to check with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements to ensure the correct dosage and the absence of any interactions with existing medications.