beriberi - Reference Center

Columbia Encyclopedia entry: beriberi

Beriberibĕr'ēbĕr'ē, deficiency disease occurring when the human body has insufficient amounts of thiamine (vitamin B1). The deficiency may result from improper diet (e.g., ingestion of highly refined grains instead of the whole kernels), from poor absorption of thiamine (as in chronic diarrhea), from conditions which increase the vitamin requirements of the body (e.g., hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, fever), or from poor utilization (as in liver disease). In some instances (e.g., alcoholism) the deficiency arises from a combination of several or of all of these factors. Since thiamine is essential for the proper metabolism of carbohydrate and fat and for the normal functioning of enzymes and nervous tissue, the symptoms of the disorder are primarily those of neurological and gastrointestinal disturbances. In severe cases the heart becomes affected, and the nervous disorder may lead to paralysis and death. The disorder is rarely found in the West, occurring only among alcoholics and other groups who exist on grossly inadequate diets. It is a common malady in parts of Asia where the diet consists mainly of polished white rice. The usual treatment is administering dosages of thiamine.

Wikipedia search results for: Beriberi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Beriberi is a nervous system ailment caused by a deficiency of thiamin in the diet. Thiamin is involved in the breakdown of energy molecules such as glucose and is also found on the membranes of neurons. Symptoms of beriberi include severe lethargy and fatigue, together with complications affecting the cardiovascular, nervous, muscular, and gastrointestinal systems. The origin of the term is obscure. One hypothesis is that it comes from a Sinhalese phrase meaning "I cannot, I cannot", the word being doubled for emphasis. Beriberi is caused by a lack of thiamine. Thiamin occurs naturally in unrefined cereals and fresh foods, particularly whole grain...more »

Columbia Encyclopedia search results: beriberi

Results 1 - 2 of 2

Eijkman, Christiaan
Eijkman, Christiaan, 1858–1930, Dutch physician. He was head of the Pathological Institute of Batavia and later (1898–1928) professor of hygiene at the Univ. of Utrecht. His work at Batavia on...
vitamin
Vitamin, group of organic substances that are required in the diet of humans and animals for normal growth, maintenance of life, and normal reproduction. Vitamins act as catalysts; very often ...

Related Encyclopedia Matches

Reference Center To Go