Beriberi is a nutritional-deficiency
disease resulting from an insufficiency of thiamine, or Vitamin B. It may result from an improper diet, as in parts of Asia where the main source of food is polished rice; from
poor absorption of thiamine; from increased body requirements, for example, during pregnancy; and from poor utilization of thiamine, as in liver disease. Beriberi also occurs among chronic alcoholics. Symptoms include gastrointestinal disturbances; edema, inflammation and degeneration of nerves; and muscular weakness. Beriberi may lead to heart failure and, ultimately, death. Treatment consists of
thiamine administration.
More abstracts about the BERIBERI AND TREATMENT