Question

In which group of three of the following five statements (1-5) contains all three correct statements regarding beriberi
(1) A crippling disease prevalent among the native population of sub- Saharan Africa.
(2) A deficiency disease caused by lack of thiamine (vitamin B1).
(3) A nutritional disorder in infants and young children when the diet is persistently deficient in essential protein.
(4)Occurs in those countries where the staple diet is polished rice
(5) The symptoms are pain from neuritis, paralysis, muscle wasting, progressive edema, mental deterioration and finally heart failure.

• A. (2), (4) and (5)
• B. (1), (2) and (4)
• C. (1), (3) and (5)
• D. (2), (3) and (5)

Answer 1

The correct option is A (2), (4) and (5)

Beriberi which is caused due to the deficiency of vitamin B1 is characterized by pain from neuritis, paralysis, muscle wasting, progressive edema, mental deterioration and finally heart failure. One of the primary source for thiamine is cereal bran. Therefore thiamine deficiency is predominantly seen in countries where the staple diet is polished rice which lack the thiamine-rich bran.