Beriberi (Noun)
Meaning
Avitaminosis caused by lack of thiamine (vitamin B1).
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Beriberi is a disease caused by a severe deficiency of thiamine in the diet, leading to serious health complications if left untreated.
- The patient was diagnosed with beriberi after experiencing severe muscle weakness and nerve degeneration due to a lack of vitamin B1.
- In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, beriberi was prevalent in many parts of Asia where polished white rice was a staple food, stripping away the thiamine-rich outer layers.
- Untreated beriberi can lead to heart failure and even death due to the inadequate supply of thiamine necessary for proper bodily functions.
- The symptoms of beriberi can be reversed with thiamine supplements and a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.