Beriberi is a deficiency disease caused by a lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the diet. Beriberi attacks the nervous system, causing neuritis, circulatory disturbances, stiffness in the legs, and sometimes paralysis. Beriberi is prevalent in the Orient where polished (or white) rice forms the main part of the diet. It usually occurs when food is scarce. A more widespread use of unpolished (or brown) rice could practically wipe out the disease.
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