What is Beriberi

Beriberi is a disease caused by lack of thiamine (one of the B vitamins), which helps the body turn food into energy. Like anemia, beriberi is most often seen in women from puberty to menopause, and in their children.

Beriberi occurs most often when the main food is a grain whose outer skin has been removed (for example, polished rice) or a starchy root, like cassava.

What are Signs of Beriberi?

• not wanting to eat
• severe weakness, especially in the legs
• the body becomes very swollen or the heart stops working

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en010418