There are two types of thiamine deficiency. One that affects the cardiovascular system is called wet beriberi. While the type that affects the nervous system is called dry beriberi.
In the United States, thiamine deficiency is rare since foods are now vitamin enriched. Only those who are heavy drinkers may develop symptoms of beriberi. Increased alcohol intake makes it difficult for the body to properly absorb thiamine. In worst cases, permanent brain damage can occur called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Patients who take diuretics or had undergone dialysis can develop beriberi. Infants with asymptomatic mothers who have beriberi can develop infantile beriberi since the milk produced by the mother does not contain or lack thiamine.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of dry beriberi are: loss of sensation on feet and hands, paralysis of the lower leg, difficulty walking, confusion, back and forth eye movement (nystagmus), lack of concentration and confusion, difficulty talking, pain, vomiting and tingling sensations.
Dry beriberi symptoms affect mostly the heart: shortness of breath at night that cause the patient to awaken suddenly, shortness of breath after mild activity, palpitations, edema of the lower extremities.
Treatment
Treating this type of deficiency isn’t difficult. By simply correcting the levels of thiamine and maintain it will relieve all symptoms. This could be done by oral supplements or injection of thiamine. After administration, a blood test is usually done to test how a patient responds to the medication.
Prevention
Eating foods rich in thiamine like oat meal, eggs, liver, potatoes, oranges, flax and sunflower seeds. Daily vitamin supplements are also an excellent source of thiamine. Stop drinking alcohol. Raw meat from fresh water fish and shellfish contain thiaminase. Thiaminase is a enzyme that breakdown thiamine. It is advised to cook fish and shellfish thoroughly.
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