What is beriberi?

Answer 1

Beriberi is a nervous system ailment caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the diet.

Beriberi, a word derived from the Sinhalese word beri meaning "weakness," is a disease that was widespread (particularly in parts of Asia) during the late 19th and early 20th century. In its most common form, the disease was characterized by muscular weakness , energy deprivation, and inactivity. Sailors on long voyages often got beriberi, until the addition of whole grains to their rations was discovered to prevent it. By 1926, researchers discovered that the substance in whole grains that could cure the lethargy in the sailors was vitamin B1. Although beriberi is extremely rare in the United States, our understanding of thiamine and its relationship to energy deprivation has carried over into our approach to other health problems (like Alcoholism) in which thiamine deficiency plays a critical role.

Answer 2

Beriberi is a nutritional disease caused by a deficiency of Thiamine, Vitamin B1. It affects the Nervous System and the Heart.

The word comes from Sinhalese word meaning a great weakness.

Answer 3

BeriBeri is a disease that affects the nervous system in a person whose body does not have enough vitamin B1, aka thiamine.

Answer 4

The cause of Beriberi is not having enough of Vitamin B1.