Beriberi is a condition caused by a lack of vitamin B1, commonly known as thiamine. It is common in underdeveloped nations among persons whose diet consists mostly of white rice or highly processed carbs.
The illness is classified into two types:
- Wet beriberi
- Dry beriberi
Wet beriberi has an impact on the heart and circulatory system. Wet beriberi can induce heart failure in severe circumstances.
Dry beriberi causes nerve injury, which can result in diminished muscular strength and, eventually, muscle paralysis. Beriberi is potentially fatal if not addressed.
If you have access to thiamine-rich meals, your chances of acquiring beriberi are minimal. In the United States today, beriberi is most common in those who have an alcohol use issue, although it can also develop as a consequence of weight loss surgery.
Beriberi caused by other sources is uncommon in the United States. Nonetheless, the illness might be seen in:
- Women experiencing severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum)
- AIDS patients
- Persons who have had bariatric surgery
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BERIBERI?
The symptoms of beriberi differ according to the kind.
Symptoms of wet beriberi include:
- Shortness of breath during exercising
- Waking up with shortness of breath
- High heart rate
- Lower leg swelling
Symptoms of dry beriberi include:
- Reduced muscular function, especially in both lower legs
- Pain
- Mental perplexity
- Tingling or lack of sensation in both feet and hands
- Vomiting
- Unintentional eye movement
- Speaking difficulties
- Paralysis
In severe circumstances, beriberi is linked to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Thiamine insufficiency causes two types of brain damage: Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome.
Wernicke encephalopathy causes brain damage to the thalamus and hypothalamus. This condition may result in:
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Lack of muscle coordination
- Visual issues such as double vision and fast eye movement
Korsakoff syndrome is caused by irreversible impairment to the brain area where memories develop. It may result in:
- Memory loss
- Inability to develop new memories
- Hallucinations
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BERIBERI?
The major cause of beriberi is a thiamine-deficient diet. The condition is extremely rare in areas where vitamin-enriched foods, such as some breakfast cereals and breads, are available.
According to the National Institutes of Health, beriberi is most frequent in countries of the world where the diet contains unenriched, processed white rice, which has one-tenth the amount of thiamine as brown rice.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR BERIBERI?
Other causes may also contribute to thiamine deficiency. These are some examples:
- Alcohol abuse might make it difficult for your body to absorb and retain thiamine.
- Genetic beriberi is an uncommon illness in which the body is unable to absorb thiamine.
- AIDS
- Diuretics or extended diarrhea (medication that makes you urinate more)
- Dialysis of the kidneys
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
- Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
- Weight loss surgery
- Malnutrition
- Diabetes
Breastfeeding women require thiamine in their diet on a regular basis. Infants who consume low-thiamine breast milk or formula are at risk of thiamine deficiency.
Thiamine insufficiency is more prevalent in cancer patients. Thiamine deficiency can also be caused by restrictive diets, eating disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease.
HOW IS BERIBERI DIAGNOSED?
A series of medical tests will be required to identify whether you have beriberi. Thiamine levels in your blood and urine will be measured.
A neurological exam will also be performed to look for signs of loss of coordination, trouble walking, drooping eyes, and weak reflexes. Memory loss, confusion, or delusions are symptoms of beriberi in its latter stages.
A physical examination will detect any cardiac abnormalities. Beriberi symptoms include rapid heartbeat, swelling of the lower legs, and trouble breathing.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR BERIBERI?
Thiamine pills are an effective treatment for Beriberi. A thiamine injection or tablet may be prescribed by your doctor. A healthcare practitioner will deliver intravenous thiamine in extreme situations.
Follow-up blood tests will be performed to determine how well your body is absorbing the vitamin.
HOW CAN BERIBERI BE PREVENTED?
Eat a nutrient-dense, balanced diet that contains thiamine-rich foods to avoid beriberi. These are some examples:
- Legumes and beans
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Meat
- Fish
- Dairy
- Various veggies, such as asparagus, acorn squash, Brussels sprouts, spinach, and beet greens
- Breakfast cereals fortified with thiamine
Any of the foods listed above lose thiamine content when cooked or processed.
If you feed your newborn formula, be sure it has adequate thiamine. Always acquire baby formula from a reputable provider.
Limiting your alcohol usage lowers your chances of acquiring beriberi. Anyone with an alcohol use issue should undergo regular medical checkups to rule out a B1 vitamin deficiency.
CONCLUSION
If beriberi is detected and treated early, the prognosis is favorable. When beriberi is detected early, nerve and heart damage is typically reversible. Once you start therapy, recovery is usually swift.
The prognosis is bleak if beriberi advances to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. While medication can alleviate the symptoms of Wernicke encephalopathy, Korsakoff syndrome causes lasting brain damage.
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is essential for your health. Consult your doctor if you suspect you have thiamine deficiency or if you need assistance on how to receive the nutrition you require.