Beri Beri because of deficiency of which vitamin?
VerifiedAnswer: Vitamin B1
Explanation:
Beriberi is a serious disease caused by the deficiency of Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. This essential vitamin plays a crucial role in our body's metabolism, particularly in converting carbohydrates into energy that our cells need to function properly.
The term "beriberi" comes from the Sinhalese word meaning "I cannot, I cannot," which reflects the weakness and fatigue that patients experience. This disease was historically common in populations that relied heavily on polished white rice as their main food source, since the rice polishing process removes the thiamine-rich outer layer of the grain.
There are two main types of beriberi: wet beriberi and dry beriberi. Wet beriberi primarily affects the cardiovascular system, causing symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and leg swelling due to fluid retention. Dry beriberi mainly affects the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, numbness in hands and feet, difficulty walking, and mental confusion.
Vitamin B1 is water-soluble, meaning our body doesn't store it for long periods and we need regular intake through our diet. Good sources of thiamine include whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, pork, and fortified cereals. When people don't get enough of these foods or have conditions that prevent proper absorption of thiamine, they can develop beriberi.
The discovery of the connection between beriberi and vitamin B1 deficiency was a major breakthrough in nutritional science. Dutch physician Christiaan Eijkman's work in the late 1800s with chickens and rice helped establish this link, earning him a Nobel Prize. Today, beriberi is rare in developed countries due to fortified foods and better nutrition awareness, but it can still occur in cases of severe malnutrition, alcoholism, or certain medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption.
