News — beriberi
Historical Pandemics: Exploring the History and Impact of Beriberi
beriberi diet-related diseases dietary history dry beriberi food processing fortified foods historical pandemics nutrient deficiencies nutritional science polished rice public health Southeast Asia thiamine deficiency vitamin B1 wet beriberi
Throughout history, various pandemics have left their mark on societies around the world, from plagues to vitamin deficiencies. One lesser-known but historically significant health crisis is beriberi, a condition caused by a lack of thiamine, or vitamin B1. Long before the scientific understanding of vitamins and nutrition, communities affected by beriberi faced mysterious symptoms that ravaged populations and challenged medical practitioners.
This article explores the history, symptoms, causes, and global impact of beriberi, including how societies responded to the epidemic and the eventual discovery of its nutritional roots. Beriberi is a powerful reminder of the importance of vitamins in human health and the dangers that can arise from dietary imbalances.