Beriberi is caused by a lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine), essential for energy production and nerve function.

• Poor Diet: A diet lacking thiamine-rich foods like whole grains, meat (especially pork), fish, and legumes is a major cause of beriberi. People who rely heavily on refined grains, such as white rice, are especially at risk. Limited access to a variety of nutritious foods can also contribute.
• Alcoholism: Long-term alcohol use can lead to thiamine deficiency. Alcohol reduces thiamine absorption in the gut, damages the liver (which stores thiamine), and increases its loss through urine, all of which raise the risk of beriberi.
• Increased Thiamine Requirement: Some situations raise the body’s need for thiamine, making deficiency more likely. For example, pregnant or breastfeeding women need more nutrients, and people with conditions like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or those on dialysis may also require extra thiamine due to changes in metabolism.
• Prolonged Illness or Stress: Serious illnesses, infections, or extended physical stress can increase the body’s demand for thiamine. Conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or long-lasting fevers can use up thiamine faster than the body can replace it.
• Medications: Certain medicines, like diuretics used for high blood pressure or heart problems, can cause the body to lose more thiamine through urine. Without adjusting intake, this can lead to a deficiency over time.
• Malabsorption Disorders: Some health conditions make it harder for the body to absorb nutrients, including thiamine. Diseases like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or other digestive disorders can damage the intestines and reduce thiamine absorption. Surgeries that remove parts of the digestive tract, such as bariatric surgery, can also affect the body’s ability to take in this vital vitamin.

Diagnosis usually involves reviewing medical history, performing a physical exam, and conducting tests to confirm thiamine deficiency.

• Medical History: The doctor will ask about your diet, lifestyle, and health conditions. A history of poor nutrition, heavy alcohol use, or digestive issues can suggest thiamine deficiency. They’ll also ask about symptoms like fatigue, weakness, swelling, or numbness.
• Physical Examination: The doctor will check your overall health, looking for muscle weakness, swelling, neurological issues like numbness or reduced reflexes, and signs of heart problems such as a rapid heartbeat or difficulty breathing.
• Blood Tests: These measure thiamine levels in your blood. Low levels are a key sign of beriberi, and tests may also rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
• Urine Tests: Checking thiamine in the urine helps determine if your body is losing too much of this vitamin, supporting the diagnosis.
• Imaging Tests: If heart or nerve complications are suspected, tests like echocardiograms or MRIs can assess the heart and nervous system for damage caused by beriberi.
• Nerve Conduction Studies: For neurological symptoms, these tests evaluate how well your nerves are functioning.
• Response to Thiamine: Sometimes, doctors may confirm beriberi if your symptoms improve significantly after thiamine supplementation, showing that the deficiency was the cause.