The disease Beri-Beri is caused by __________?

Beri-Beri is a nutritional deficiency disease caused by a lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the diet. Thiamine is an essential vitamin that helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy and supports the proper functioning of the nervous system, muscles, and heart. When thiamine is absent or insufficient in the diet, the body cannot properly utilize glucose for energy, leading to weakness and nerve disorders — the hallmark symptoms of Beri-Beri.

This disease is often associated with the use of milled or polished rice as a staple food. During the milling process, the outer husk and bran layers of the rice grain, which contain most of the thiamine, are removed. As a result, people who depend heavily on such rice for their diet may develop thiamine deficiency.

There are two main types of Beri-Beri:

1. 
   

   Wet Beri-Beri – This type affects the cardiovascular system, causing swelling, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to heart failure.

   
   


2. 
   

   Dry Beri-Beri – This type primarily affects the nervous system, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness, pain in limbs, and difficulty walking.

   
   

Let’s analyze the options:

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  A) Lack of green vegetables in the diet – Causes other deficiencies, mainly of vitamins A and C, not thiamine.

  
  


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  B) Use of milled rice – ✅ Correct answer. Milled rice lacks vitamin B1, leading to Beri-Beri.

  
  


• 
  

  C) Deficiency of calcium in bones – Leads to rickets or osteoporosis, not Beri-Beri.

  
  


• 
  

  D) Poor use of citrus fruits – Causes vitamin C deficiency, resulting in scurvy.

  
  

Beri-Beri can be prevented and treated by eating foods rich in vitamin B1, such as whole grains, unpolished rice, legumes, nuts, pork, and green vegetables. Many countries now fortify rice or flour with thiamine to prevent this disease.

In short, Beri-Beri is a classic example of how food processing (like rice polishing) can lead to nutrient loss and health problems. Maintaining a balanced diet with natural, unprocessed foods ensures an adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

✅ Correct Answer: B) Use of milled rice