Beri Beri

Beri beri is a disorder of nervous system which is actually cause by the deficiency of the thiamine(deficiency of vitamin B1) in the diet of the individual, thiamine is basically found in the membranes of neurons and it is involved in the break down of the energy molecules such as glucose. Beriberi may be found in people whose diet consists mainly of polished white rice, which is very low in thiamine because the thiamin-bearing husk has been removed. It can also be seen in chronic alcoholics (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome), Arsenic poisoning causes alterations in cellular metabolism resulting in blockage of thiamine use which results in thiamine deficiency without any dietary shortfall. The mechanism of arsenic neuropathy may be similar to the neuropathy of thiamine deficiency [Sexton and Gowdy 1963], whereby arsenic inhibits the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl coenzyme A and thus blocks the Krebs cycle.

Symptoms Of Beri Beri :

The symptoms of the beri beri include severe fatigue and lethargy.which together effects the cardiovascular,gastrointestinal and nerous muscular systems.generally most commonly seen symptoms are:
1. Weight loss
2. Pain in the limbs
3. Weakness
4. Impaired sensory perception
5. Irregular heart rate
6. Fatigue
7. Edema (swelling of bodily tissues)


Types Of Beri Beri :

There are three true types of beri beri found across the world.
1. Infantile beri beri effects the children mostly in developing countries
2. Wet beri beri effects the cardiovascular systems.
3. Dry beri beri effects the nervous system.

Diagnosis Of Beri Beri :

1. The disease can be diagnosed by doing the following test which may involve the signs of :
2. Blood tests
3. Swelling in both lower legs
4. Decreased reflexes
5. Coordination problems
6. Enlarged heart
7. Increased heartbeats
8. Drooping of the eyelids

Treatment Of Beri Beri :

The beri beri can be treated by involving the intake of thiamine which body is lacking. This is done with thiamine supplements which are given by injection or taken by mouth.several multivitamins supplements are also recommended.