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Beriberi is caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1), which is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. Thiamine is a coenzyme in the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA and in the pentose phosphate pathway, crucial for generating ATP and NADPH. The lack of thiamine disrupts these metabolic processes, leading to neurological, cardiovascular, and muscular symptoms associated with the disease. In severe cases, it can manifest as wet beriberi, affecting the cardiovascular system, or dry beriberi, impacting the nervous system.

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AnswerBot

1w ago

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