As fascinating as the term 'beriberi' sounds, the condition associated with it is as problematic. Surely, we've all heard of vitamin C, D, B12, and even vitamin B6, but have you ever heard of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1? Beriberi is a nutritional disorder caused by a deficiency of thiamine in the diet. The worrying part about it is that it can impact your heart as well as your nervous system. Therefore, we at OnlyMyHealth spoke with Dr Aparna Gupta, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Delhi, to understand more about the condition and ways to prevent it.
Role Of Thiamine
To begin with, thiamine is a key component of enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, which means it helps convert sugars from the food we eat into energy that cells can use. Having said that, low levels of thiamine can lead to fatigue and weakness, since the body cannot produce sufficient energy without it.
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Moreover, thiamine is crucial for the proper functioning of nerve cells. It supports the transmission of nerve impulses and is important for maintaining healthy nerve tissue.
According to a study published in the Journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, thiamine deficiency can present with a broad range of neurological signs in children, such as anorexia, irritability, agitation, muscle pain, diminished or abolished deep tendon reflexes, ataxia, paralysis, and a progressively altered level of consciousness.
Another study highlights neuropathy, which occurs when the nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, was the first clinically described deficiency syndrome in humans.
Besides looking after the nervous system, thiamine is necessary for the proper functioning of the heart muscle. It helps maintain the normal rhythm of the heart and is essential for overall cardiovascular health.
Besides looking after the nervous system, thiamine is necessary for the proper functioning of the heart muscle. It helps maintain the normal rhythm of the heart and is essential for overall cardiovascular health.
It is important to note that there are two types of beriberi: wet beriberi and dry beriberi.
While wet beriberi can cause heart failure, dry beriberi occurs without heart failure. A study even suggests that wet beriberi can cause death within a few days if not treated.
Symptoms Of Thiamine Deficiency
Dr Gupta says, “The symptoms of beriberi primarily affect the nervous system and patients with beriberi may experience fatigue, weakness, tingling or numbness in the extremities, muscle cramps, difficulty walking, and even impaired coordination and reflexes.”
“Thiamine deficiency directly affects the central and peripheral nervous systems by disrupting the production of energy needed for proper nerve function,” she explains.
In addition, this deficiency impairs the ability of nerve cells to communicate effectively, leading to the symptoms mentioned above. In severe cases, it even results in the development of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, characterised by confusion, memory loss, and vision problems, says Dr Gupta.
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How To Get Optimum Levels Of Thiamine From Foods
To increase thiamine levels and prevent or treat beriberi, individuals should focus on consuming foods rich in thiamine, according to the doctor. These include foods, such as:
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Lean meats like chicken
- Fish like salmon and trout
- Fortified cereals
- Eggs
- Spinach and other leafy greens
- Nutritional yeast
According to Dr Gupta, incorporating thiamine supplements into the diet can be beneficial, especially for those at risk or with known deficiencies. However, it is best to consult a doctor or a nutritionist.
Conclusion
Thiamine is a vital nutrient that plays a significant role in metabolising energy, improving nerve functions, heart health, and various other bodily processes. A deficiency in thiamine can lead to a range of health issues and therefore, it is important to consume adequate amounts of thiamine through a balanced diet.