Final answer:
Beriberi is also called the thiamin-deficiency disease. It is a condition caused by a deficiency in thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, which leads to various symptoms such as loss of appetite, weakness, and muscular atrophy.
Step-by-step explanation:
True.
Beriberi, termed the thiamine-deficiency disease, highlights the critical role of thiamine (vitamin B1) in bodily functions. This condition predominantly manifests in populations with a diet lacking in thiamine-rich foods, such as fortified grains, legumes, and meat. The deficiency impacts multiple systems, notably the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Neurological symptoms include weakness, tingling, and difficulty walking, while cardiovascular manifestations involve an enlarged heart and heart failure in severe cases.
The term "beriberi" encompasses various clinical presentations, from dry beriberi, primarily affecting the nervous system, to wet beriberi, characterized by cardiovascular complications due to fluid accumulation. Recognizing its association with thiamine deficiency underscores the significance of dietary balance and adequate nutrition. Addressing this deficiency involves thiamine supplementation and dietary modifications to prevent and treat beriberi, emphasizing the pivotal role of thiamine in maintaining overall health and proper bodily functions.