Beriberi is a deficiency of thiamine, more commonly known as vitamin B1. Your body needs thiamine to break down and digest the foods you eat, to keep your metabolism going, and help your muscles ... The blog explains Beriberi , its types, causes, symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and possible complications. Thiamine deficiency, or beriberi , refers to a lack of thiamine pyrophosphate, the biologically active form of the vitamin known as thiamine (also spelled thiamin), or vitamin B-1 (see the image below). Thiamine pyrophosphate acts as a coenzyme in carbohydrate metabolism through the decarboxylation of alpha ketoacids. It also takes part in the formation of glucose by acting as a coenzyme for the transketolase in the pentose monophosphate pathway. In suspected cases of thiamine deficiency ... Beriberi is a disorder resulting from inadequate intake or absorption of thiamine. Explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment of beriberi .