What Is Beriberi?
3. Causes
As mentioned, beriberi is caused by a lack of vitamin B-1. In most cases, this will happen simply because the patient is not getting enough of the vitamin in their diet. In developed countries, foods are often fortified with various vitamins, including vitamin B-1, helping to ensure people get all that they need.
The condition can arise in heavy drinkers even in developed countries, however. Drinking a lot of alcohol will often mean the patient is not careful about their diet. Alcohol can also hinder the body’s ability to absorb the vitamin. Other medical conditions are also a contributing factor in some cases.
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