Final answer:
The deficiency of Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is known as Beriberi, which presents with neurological symptoms like polyneuritis and can include cardiovascular problems, edema, and muscular atrophy. There are two types of Beriberi: Dry and Wet. Thiamine is critical for carbohydrate metabolism, and its lack can impair brain function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deficiency of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
The deficiency of Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, leads to the clinical condition known as Beriberi. Beriberi is characterized by symptoms like polyneuritis, which is a collection of nerve defects, cardio-vascular changes, muscular atrophy, edema, weakness, headache, insomnia, and gastrointestinal disorders. There are specifically two types of Beriberi:
- Dry Beriberi: Predominantly affects the nervous system with symptoms such as polyneuritis.
- Wet Beriberi: Associated with edema and serous effusions alongside the nerve symptoms.
Another severe form of thiamine deficiency is Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is often observed in alcoholics. It is crucial to understand that thiamine is important for carbohydrate metabolism, and its deficiency can lead to accumulation of pyruvate and lactate in cells. This impairment affects the brain more than the skeletal muscle.
Comparison with Other Vitamin Deficiencies:
Each vitamin deficiency presents with specific diseases, such as:
- Vitamin B6 deficiency might lead to conditions like peripheral neuropathy and hypochromic microcytic anemia. Niacin deficiency results in pellagra.
- Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy.
- Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets.
It is important to note that the correct answer to the question 'What is the deficiency of Vitamin B1 (thiamine)?' is Beriberi, not rickets, scurvy, or anemia.