Understanding Beriberi: What disease is associated with vitamin B1?

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the MSD Manual, a severe thiamin deficiency (vitamin B1) can affect the nerves, muscles, heart, and brain, and is most notably known as beriberi. This is the disease associated with vitamin B1 deficiency and, when left untreated, can have life-threatening consequences.

Quick Summary

A severe lack of thiamine, or vitamin B1, primarily causes the disease beriberi, which affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems. In some cases, it can progress to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious neurological disorder. Deficiency can result from poor diet, chronic alcoholism, or other medical conditions, but is treatable with thiamine supplements.

Key Points

Primary Disease: The main disease caused by a severe vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency is beriberi, which affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Cardiovascular Impact: Wet beriberi primarily affects the heart and circulatory system, leading to rapid heart rate, swelling, and potentially heart failure.
Neurological Impact: Dry beriberi damages the nervous system, causing muscle weakness, tingling or numbness, and eventual paralysis.
Brain Disorder: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a serious brain disorder resulting from thiamine deficiency, often linked to chronic alcohol misuse, causing confusion and severe memory loss.
Risk Factors: High-risk groups include chronic alcohol users, people with gastrointestinal issues, those who have undergone bariatric surgery, and individuals on restrictive diets. {Link: Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/thiamine-deficiency}.
Effective Treatment: With early diagnosis, thiamine deficiency is easily treated with supplements, which can reverse most symptoms and prevent long-term damage.
Prevention: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in thiamine, found in pork, fish, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, is the best prevention strategy.

The Critical Role of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is an essential, water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in converting carbohydrates into energy. This is especially crucial for the brain and nervous system. Thiamine also aids in nerve signal conduction and muscle contraction. Since the body doesn't store much thiamine, regular dietary intake is necessary.

What disease is associated with vitamin B1?

The primary disease linked to chronic vitamin B1 deficiency is beriberi. The name "beriberi" means "I cannot, I cannot" in Sinhalese, reflecting the profound weakness it causes. Historically, beriberi was common in areas where diets relied on processed grains like polished white rice, which are low in thiamine.

The Two Main Types of Beriberi

Beriberi presents differently depending on the affected body system.

Wet Beriberi: This type affects the cardiovascular system, potentially causing heart failure, rapid heart rate, and swelling. It can be a medical emergency as the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.
Dry Beriberi: Primarily impacting the nervous system, dry beriberi can lead to nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), reduced muscle strength, tingling, numbness, and eventually paralysis. It may also cause decreased reflexes and gait issues.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Another neurological condition caused by severe thiamine deficiency is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). It is often associated with chronic alcohol misuse, which hinders thiamine absorption. WKS has two stages:

Wernicke's Encephalopathy: An acute, severe brain disorder characterized by confusion, poor coordination (ataxia), and abnormal eye movements. Prompt thiamine treatment is essential to prevent lasting damage.
Korsakoff's Psychosis: A chronic memory disorder that can develop if Wernicke's encephalopathy is not treated. {Link: Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/thiamine-deficiency}.

Causes and Risk Factors for Thiamine Deficiency

Various factors can lead to a lack of vitamin B1 {Link: Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/thiamine-deficiency}:

Chronic Alcoholism
Poor Diet
Bariatric Surgery
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Kidney Dialysis
Gastrointestinal Conditions
Certain Medications
Genetic Factors

Comparison of Wet and Dry Beriberi

For a detailed comparison of wet and dry beriberi, including affected systems and symptoms, refer to {Link: Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/thiamine-deficiency}.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing thiamine deficiency often involves a physical exam, symptom review, and tests. A positive response to thiamine supplementation helps confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment typically involves administering thiamine supplements. Early-stage beriberi often responds rapidly. Nerve damage and memory issues may take longer to resolve or be permanent. Addressing underlying causes is also vital.

Preventing Thiamine Deficiency

Preventing beriberi requires adequate thiamine intake. Good sources include:

Whole grains and fortified products
Pork, salmon, beans, and lentils
Green peas and leafy greens
Sunflower seeds
Some dairy products

Individuals at high risk may need supplements under medical guidance.

Conclusion

Beriberi, the disease associated with vitamin B1 deficiency, remains a serious issue for vulnerable groups. Recognizing its forms and the complication Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is vital for timely intervention. A balanced diet and medical support are key to managing this preventable condition. More information is available on the {Link: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Thiamin-HealthProfessional/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary cause of beriberi is a severe deficiency of vitamin B1, or thiamine, typically resulting from a diet lacking sufficient amounts of this vitamin.

Early symptoms can be vague and may include fatigue, irritability, poor memory, loss of appetite, and weight loss. These can progress to more specific symptoms if left untreated.

Yes, if left untreated, beriberi can be fatal, especially the wet beriberi form, which can lead to life-threatening heart failure.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a severe neurological complication of thiamine deficiency, particularly affecting memory and mental state, while beriberi is a broader term encompassing nerve and heart issues.

Good food sources of thiamine include pork, fish, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and fortified cereals. Cooking can destroy thiamine, so preparation methods matter.

Beriberi is rare in developed countries, where food is often enriched with vitamins. It is mostly seen in individuals with specific risk factors like chronic alcoholism, bariatric surgery, or other conditions causing malabsorption.

Thiamine deficiency is treated with supplements. In severe cases, thiamine is administered intravenously, while milder cases may be treated with oral tablets. Treatment is followed by dietary adjustments to ensure adequate intake.