Beriberi disease is caused by deficiency of which vitamin?

• A. Thiamine deficiency with impairment of nerves and heart
• B. Niacin deficiency
• C. Vitamin C deficiency
• D. Vitamin D deficiency

Answer: (A)

Beriberi is caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1), a cofactor essential for energy production in cells, especially in tissues with high energy demands like nerves and the heart. When thiamine is lacking, nerve function deteriorates and the heart’s ability to pump effectively is compromised, leading to the typical neuropathy and cardiovascular symptoms seen in beriberi. This aligns with the form described as impairment of nerves and heart. By contrast, niacin deficiency causes pellagra (the 3 D’s: dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia); vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy (gum disease, poor wound healing); and vitamin D deficiency causes rickets/osteomalacia (bone problems).