Final Answer:
Diseases arising from deficiencies of vitamin B1 include beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, plays a crucial role in the body's energy production by aiding in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to two primary diseases: beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Beriberi manifests in two forms: wet beriberi, affecting the cardiovascular system and causing swelling and heart-related issues, and dry beriberi, impacting the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and nerve damage.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, commonly seen in chronic alcoholics, results from severe thiamine deficiency. It consists of two stages: Wernicke's encephalopathy, characterized by confusion, coordination issues, and eye movement abnormalities, and Korsakoff's psychosis, involving severe memory loss and cognitive impairments. The deficiency disrupts the brain's ability to utilize glucose, affecting its overall function.
These diseases underscore the critical role of vitamin B1 in maintaining proper neurological and cardiovascular health. Ensuring an adequate intake of thiamine-rich foods or supplements is essential to prevent these debilitating conditions, especially in populations at risk of deficiency due to poor diet or certain health conditions.