Beriberi

Beriberi is a condition caused by a deficiency of thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1. This essential nutrient plays a critical role in energy metabolism and the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. Although rare in developed countries, Beriberi still poses a significant health risk in areas where malnutrition or alcoholism is prevalent.

This blog aims to provide a detailed overview of Beriberi—its types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment options. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or just health-conscious, understanding Beriberi can help ensure early detection and prompt medical intervention.

What Is Beriberi?

Beriberi is a disorder that results from a severe lack of thiamine (Vitamin B1) in the diet. The name comes from a Sinhalese phrase meaning “I cannot, I cannot,” reflecting the weakness and fatigue associated with the disease. Thiamine is essential for converting food into energy and maintaining healthy nerve and muscle function.

There are two main types of Beriberi:

• Wet Beriberi: Affects the cardiovascular system.

• Dry Beriberi: Affects the nervous system.

Why Is Thiamine Important?

Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin involved in:

• Carbohydrate metabolism

• Nerve conduction

• Muscle function

• Heart health

Since the human body cannot produce thiamine on its own and stores are limited, regular intake through food or supplements is essential.

Types of Beriberi

1. Wet Beriberi

Wet Beriberi affects the heart and circulatory system and can lead to:

• Enlarged heart

• Rapid heart rate

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling in lower legs

• Congestive heart failure

2. Dry Beriberi

Dry Beriberi primarily affects the nervous system and may cause:

• Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands and feet

• Muscle weakness

• Difficulty walking

• Paralysis

• Confusion

• Difficulty speaking

3. Infantile Beriberi

Occurs in infants breastfed by thiamine-deficient mothers. Symptoms include:

• Vomiting

• Restlessness

• Loss of reflexes

• Convulsions

• Heart failure

4. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

A severe neurological disorder caused by chronic thiamine deficiency, often due to alcoholism. It presents as:

• Mental confusion (Wernicke’s encephalopathy)

• Memory loss (Korsakoff’s psychosis)

What Causes Beriberi?

Several factors can lead to thiamine deficiency:

1. Inadequate Dietary Intake

• Diets lacking in whole grains, legumes, and fortified foods

• Overconsumption of polished white rice

2. Alcoholism

• Impairs thiamine absorption and utilization

• Poor dietary intake is also common among chronic drinkers

3. Medical Conditions

• Chronic diarrhea

• Hyperthyroidism

• Liver cirrhosis

• HIV/AIDS

4. Prolonged IV Feeding (Parenteral Nutrition)

• If thiamine is not included in the IV formula

5. Dialysis

• Thiamine is water-soluble and may be lost during hemodialysis

6. Genetic Disorders

• Rare inherited conditions affecting thiamine metabolism

Symptoms of Beriberi

Based on the type, symptoms may vary:

General Symptoms

• Rapid heart rate

• Swollen lower legs

• Waking up short of breath

• Decreased muscle function

• Mental confusion

• Difficulty speaking

• Vomiting

• Involuntary eye movements

• Paralysis

• Tingling or loss of feeling in the feet and hands

These symptoms can progress quickly and become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

How Is Beriberi Diagnosed?

1. Medical History and Physical Examination

• Diet history

• Alcohol use

• Physical signs of nerve or heart issues

2. Blood Tests

• Low thiamine levels in plasma or red blood cells

3. Urine Tests

• Low thiamine excretion suggests deficiency

4. Imaging

• Chest X-ray for heart size (Wet Beriberi)

5. Neurological Assessment

• Reflexes, muscle strength, and coordination tests (Dry Beriberi)

If Beriberi is suspected, thiamine supplementation may begin immediately before confirmatory test results arrive, especially in emergencies.

Who Is at Risk for Beriberi?

• Alcoholics

• Elderly individuals with poor dietary habits

• People undergoing dialysis

• Individuals on long-term diuretics

• People living in poverty with limited access to nutritious food

• Infants born to thiamine-deficient mothers

• Patients receiving intravenous nutrition without added vitamins

How Is Beriberi Treated?

1. Thiamine Supplementation

• Oral thiamine for mild cases

• Intravenous or intramuscular thiamine for severe cases

2. Nutritional Counseling

• A balanced diet rich in:

  • Whole grains

  • Meat (especially pork)

  • Legumes

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Fortified cereals

3. Treating Underlying Causes

• Alcohol cessation programs

• Managing chronic illnesses

• Updating IV nutrition protocols

4. Supportive Care

• Physical therapy for muscle weakness

• Psychological counseling for cognitive issues

Early treatment leads to rapid improvement in symptoms. However, nerve damage caused by long-standing thiamine deficiency may take months to resolve or may be permanent.

Complications if Left Untreated

• Heart failure (wet Beriberi)

• Irreversible nerve damage (dry Beriberi)

• Permanent memory loss (Korsakoff syndrome)

• Infant death (in infantile Beriberi)

• Death from cardiovascular collapse

Timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial.

How to Prevent Beriberi

1. Eat a Thiamine-Rich Diet

• Include whole grains, fortified cereals, and legumes

2. Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption

• Alcohol blocks thiamine absorption and impairs storage

3. Take Supplements if Needed

• Especially if you’re on dialysis, diuretics, or parenteral nutrition

4. Ensure Maternal Nutrition

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women must consume adequate thiamine

5. Monitor High-Risk Groups

• Periodic screening for thiamine deficiency in susceptible individuals

Beriberi and Modern Lifestyles

In today’s fast-paced world, processed foods and unbalanced diets can increase the risk of micronutrient deficiencies, including thiamine. Urban diets heavy in polished white rice or fast food, combined with alcohol use and stress, can silently lead to Beriberi.

Regular health check-ups and nutritional screening can help detect early signs of deficiency and prevent long-term complications.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical attention immediately if you or a loved one experiences:

• Unexplained fatigue

• Tingling in the limbs

• Swollen legs

• Shortness of breath

• Confusion or memory issues

These may be early signs of Beriberi, and prompt thiamine supplementation can make a life-saving difference.

Beriberi Testing at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, Kolkata

At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, we offer:

• Vitamin deficiency panels

• Neurological screenings

• Cardiac assessments

• Expert cardiologist and neurologist consultation 

• Home blood collection services across Kolkata

We ensure accurate, timely diagnosis and personalized care for patients with suspected nutritional deficiencies, including Beriberi.

📍 Centre Timings:
Mon to Sat: 7 AM to 9 PM
Sunday: 7 AM to 3 PM

📞 Call/WhatsApp: 9830117733 / 8335049501

Beriberi is a serious but entirely preventable condition. By maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and seeking timely medical advice, most people can avoid the risks associated with thiamine deficiency. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to a full recovery.

If you suspect symptoms of Beriberi in yourself or a loved one, don’t wait—book a consultation or a diagnostic test at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre today.

Stay informed. Stay healthy. Stay safe with Sparsh.