What causes beriberi?

Beriberi is caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the diet. This deficiency typically occurs from inadequate dietary intake of thiamine-rich foods like whole grains, meat, and legumes, or from conditions that impair thiamine absorption such as chronic alcoholism. In some cases, increased metabolic demands during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or hyperthyroidism can lead to thiamine depletion and trigger beriberi symptoms.

What is the best test for beriberi?

The Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for beriberi because it directly measures thiamine levels in your blood using advanced mass spectrometry technology. This highly accurate test can detect even subtle thiamine deficiencies that cause beriberi symptoms affecting your heart, nerves, and muscles. Low thiamine levels in the blood confirm the diagnosis and help your healthcare provider determine the severity of your deficiency, which guides appropriate supplementation therapy to prevent progression and reverse symptoms.

When should I get tested for beriberi?

You should get tested if you experience unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, irregular heartbeat, or swelling in your legs. Testing is especially important if you have a history of chronic alcoholism, follow a restrictive diet lacking whole grains and fortified foods, experience persistent digestive problems, or notice shortness of breath and rapid heart rate. Early detection through blood testing allows for prompt thiamine supplementation before serious cardiovascular or neurological damage occurs.

What are the symptoms of beriberi?

Beriberi symptoms vary depending on whether the condition primarily affects the nervous system (dry beriberi) or the cardiovascular system (wet beriberi). Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, muscle weakness and wasting, pain and tingling in the limbs, difficulty walking, confusion and memory problems, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and swelling of the legs and feet. In severe cases, beriberi can cause heart failure, permanent nerve damage, and a potentially fatal condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome affecting the brain.

Who is at risk for beriberi?

People at highest risk for beriberi include those with chronic alcoholism (which impairs thiamine absorption), individuals in developing countries with limited access to thiamine-rich foods, people following extremely restrictive diets, and those with conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption like Crohn disease or chronic diarrhea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased thiamine needs and are at elevated risk, as are individuals undergoing kidney dialysis or taking certain medications like diuretics that deplete thiamine levels.

What happens if beriberi is left untreated?

Untreated beriberi can lead to severe and potentially permanent complications affecting your heart and nervous system. Wet beriberi can progress to congestive heart failure with severe fluid retention and difficulty breathing, which can be fatal without treatment. Dry beriberi causes irreversible nerve damage resulting in permanent muscle weakness, paralysis, and loss of sensation in the extremities. In alcoholics, untreated thiamine deficiency can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a brain disorder causing severe memory loss, confusion, and permanent cognitive impairment.

Can beriberi be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, beriberi can be diagnosed with a blood test that measures thiamine levels directly. The Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) LC/MS/MS test uses advanced laboratory technology to accurately quantify the amount of thiamine in your blood, with low levels confirming the diagnosis. This blood test is essential because beriberi symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, making laboratory confirmation necessary for proper treatment. Your healthcare provider may also order additional tests to assess how the thiamine deficiency has affected your heart function and nervous system.

How is beriberi treated?

Beriberi is treated with thiamine supplementation, typically starting with high-dose injections or oral supplements depending on the severity of the deficiency. In acute cases, especially with cardiovascular complications, thiamine is given intravenously in a hospital setting to rapidly restore levels. Once thiamine levels normalize, treatment continues with oral supplements and dietary modifications to include thiamine-rich foods like whole grains, pork, legumes, nuts, and fortified cereals. Most symptoms improve within days to weeks of starting treatment, though some nerve damage may be permanent if the condition was prolonged before diagnosis.

How can I prevent beriberi?

You can prevent beriberi by eating a balanced diet that includes thiamine-rich foods such as whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, pork, beef, legumes, nuts, and seeds. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation or avoid it completely, as chronic alcohol consumption is a leading cause of thiamine deficiency. People at higher risk should consider taking a daily multivitamin containing thiamine, especially pregnant women, individuals with malabsorption disorders, and those following restrictive diets. Regular medical checkups can help identify early signs of deficiency before serious symptoms develop.

What can I do at home for beriberi?

At home, focus on consuming thiamine-rich foods daily including fortified breakfast cereals, whole wheat bread, brown rice, pork chops, black beans, lentils, sunflower seeds, and macadamia nuts. Avoid excessive tea and coffee consumption, as these contain compounds that can interfere with thiamine absorption. If you drink alcohol, stopping or significantly reducing intake is crucial for recovery. Take thiamine supplements as prescribed by your healthcare provider, and keep a symptom diary to track improvements in your energy, muscle strength, and neurological symptoms to share with your doctor at follow-up appointments.

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Beriberi Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Beriberi Blood Test

What is Beriberi?

Beriberi is a serious nutritional disorder that affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems. It is caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the diet. The Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for diagnosing beriberi.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com