Beriberi is a nutritional disorder caused by deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) formerly widespread in South and East Asia. It has almost disappeared from prosperous Asian countries and their big cities. Absence of knee jerks and presence of tenderness of the calf muscles has been noted in mild to moderate deficiency of thiamine. Beriberi is caused by eating diets in which most of the calories are derived from highly milled rice. The disorder often occurred by infections, hard physical labour or pregnancy & lactation. The clinical picture usually suggests the presence of a multiple nutritional disorder, although lack of vitamin B1 produces the most common clinical changes. Other causes of Beriberi include:
--Alcohol abuse can make it difficult for your body to absorb and store Vitamin B-1.
--Genetic beriberi is a rare, and condition that prevents the body from absorbing Vitamin B-1.
--Pregnant women and anyone with hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid gland) need extra vitamin B-1.
--Prolonged diarrhea can make it difficult for your body to absorb Vitamin B-1.
--Some diseases (e.g., liver disease) impair your bodys ability to use Vitamin B-1.
--Infants drinking breast milk or formula low in Vitamin B-1.
--Kidney dialysis can increase your risk of beriberi.