Beri-beri is a Deficiency Disease caused by Lack of Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Beri-beri is a nutritional human disorder in which affected individuals suffer from wasting of muscles, paralysis, mental confusion and sometimes heart failure. It occurs mainly in those countries where the staple diet is polished rice. There are two types of the disease: wet beriberi and dry beriberi. Wet beriberi affects the heart and circulatory system. Here is an accumulation of tissue fluid (oedema), In extreme cases, wet beriberi can cause heart failure. Dry beriberi causes nervous degeneration and can lead to a loss of muscle strength and eventually, muscle paralysis. Skin cyanosis is due to lack of oxygen. Beriberi can be life-threatening if it isn’t treated.

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