How common is beriberi?

As of 2022, beriberi is rare but still exists in some parts of the world where there is severe malnutrition or poor access to diverse diets. Here's an overview:

- Developed countries: Beriberi is uncommon in developed nations due to well-balanced diets and widespread availability of fortified foods and supplements.

- Developing countries: Beriberi remains a significant concern in certain regions where poverty and malnutrition are prevalent. It is more prevalent in developing nations with high consumption of refined grains like white rice and limited access to diverse food sources.

- Specific regions: Beriberi is found in some areas of sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and some coastal regions of India, where certain populations rely heavily on polished rice and lack access to adequate sources of vitamin B1.

- Risk groups: Pregnant women, children, people with chronic alcohol use, individuals with malabsorption issues, and those dependent on highly processed diets are at higher risk of beriberi.

- Estimates: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), beriberi affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people worldwide. However, this estimate may be an undercount due to the difficulty in diagnosing the condition.

While beriberi is no longer as widespread as it once was, it persists in marginalized and vulnerable communities. Access to nutritionally adequate diets, food fortification programs, and community-based interventions play crucial roles in preventing beriberi and addressing underlying nutritional deficiencies.