Beriberi is a disease caused by a
vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. There are two
types of the disease: wet beriberi and dry
beriberi. Wet beriberi affects the heart and
circulatory system. In extreme cases, wet
beriberi can cause heart failure. Dry beri-beri
damages the nerves and can lead to a loss of
muscle strength and eventually, muscle
paralysis.