Vitamin deficiency is a complete lack of vitamins necessary for the body, which are necessary for the full functioning of all systems. This condition is quite often confused with hypovitaminosis, which refers to a mild form of vitamin deficiency.
Causes of beriberi
The reason for the insufficient amount of vitamins may be due to several factors, these are:
pregnancy;
active growth of the child;
old age;
harmful working conditions;
nervous overstrain;
smoking;
extreme sports;
violation of the gastrointestinal tract or diseases of internal organs;
lack of proper nutrition, especially in winter;
dysbiosis, as a result of taking antibiotics, which prevents the absorption and formation of vitamins;
taking medications that block the action of vitamins in the human body;
Symptoms of beriberi
As a rule, the first signs of the presence of vitamin deficiency appear on the human skin – this is primarily dryness and acne rashes. A person begins to worry about fatigue, irritability, deterioration of vision.
Pigmentation and inflammation of the skin, when problem areas appear not only on the face, but also on the back, can provoke a lack of vitamin B2, moreover, cracks on the lips are also the consequences of a lack of this vitamin.
With a lack of zinc, vitamin E and B6, there is a sharp change in the weight of a person, resulting in stretch marks, in some cases there is damage to the skin, mucous membranes and anemia.
With a lack of vitamin D, there are problems in the muscles, joints and teeth, with the complete absence of this vitamin, rickets develops.
With a lack of vitamin B12, weakness and palpitations are noted. The reason for the deficiency of this vitamin may be the presence of helminths in the intestine.
For the normal functioning of the heart and the central nervous system, a sufficient amount of vitamin B1 is necessary, without which there is a general energy starvation of all cells of the body.
In the presence of any of the above signs, it is necessary to consult a specialist, since beriberi needs to be treated urgently. Otherwise, this condition will adversely affect the general condition of a person and his working capacity.
Diagnostics
In general, the diagnosis of this pathological condition consists of an analysis of the patient’s anamnesis and complaints, an assessment of his current condition.
Treatment
Of course, it is much easier to prevent the occurrence of this condition than to treat its consequences. The main therapy of vitamin deficiency is to replenish the missing vitamins.
Before the specialist prescribes the appropriate treatment, it is necessary to determine exactly the cause that provoked beriberi. The first indicator of the state of the body is the human skin. In order to prevent negative consequences for this, the largest human organ, it is necessary to take special multivitamins and eat rationally, choosing those products that contain antioxidants.
If beriberi is in an advanced stage, intramuscular or intravenous injections of thiamine or nicotinic acid are prescribed.
Since vitamin deficiency is characterized by such a phenomenon as dry skin and swelling of the extremities, in some cases these manifestations may be mistaken for the manifestation of an allergic reaction and, accordingly, treatment will be prescribed fundamentally wrong. That is why only a specialist can diagnose this condition.
The absence of bad habits, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, having a full daily rest and rational nutrition is the key to human health.
