Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 24 : Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Effects of deficiency

Thiamine deficiency causes beri-beri, which is frequently seen in parts of the world where polished (white) rice or unenriched white flour are predominantly eaten. There are three basic expressions of beriberi:

1. Wet beriberi in adults
2. Dry beriberi in adults
3. Infantile beriberi (a form of beriberi which affects infants and has certain features different from adult beriberi)

Early clinical features in beriberi

• Anorexia and dyspepsia, associated with heaviness and weakness of the legs.
• Tenderness of the calf muscles on pressure with complaints of ‘pins and needles’ pain and numbness in the legs.
• The knee jerks are usually sluggish but occasionally slightly exaggerated.
• Feeling of weakness and exhaustion while working. If not treated, may develop into wet or dry beriberi.