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Hair Loss in Beriberi Disease

Beriberi is a condition caused by low vitamin B1. Hair loss is a sign of low vitamin B3, also known as Pellagra. Both vitamins are water-soluble vitamins which are common in many vitamin-enriched foods in the United States. However, some people may not consume or absorb enough B vitamins to prevent Beriberi and Pellagra. Hair loss is not a sign of Beriberi. Rather, it is seen in Beriberi because of the lack of vitamin B3 associated with the lack of vitamin B1.

  1. B Vitamins

    • The B vitamins are a complex of about a dozen substances that help the body perform many different functions. B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that they are not stored in the body and must be consumed continuously in the diet.

    Vitamins B1 and B3

    • Vitamin B1 is essential in the proper functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B3 is essential in the metabolism and repair of cells, tissues, and organs. Low vitamin B1 leads to Beriberi, while low vitamin B3 leads to poor skin and hair loss. A decrease in one B vitamin is almost always associated with a decrease in all B vitamins.

    Beriberi

    • Beriberi occurs when vitamin B1 is either not consumed, not properly absorbed by the body, or excreted out of the body in large quantities. Symptoms include changes in behavior, weakness, and loss of sensation. People with poor diets, some genetic conditions, and alcoholics are more prone to develop Beriberi.

    Pellagra

    • Pellagra occurs much the same way as Beriberi does, and the two are often associated with each other. The difference is that vitamin B3 is the deficient vitamin in Pellagra. People with Pellagra exhibit intestinal and skin conditions like dry skin and loss of hair. Left untreated, Pellagra may lead to death.

    Prevention/Solution

    • People who abuse alcohol, people with kidney disease, and people with poor diets may benefit greatly from taking vitamin supplements to replace what the body loses or is not able to absorb, including B vitamins. Treatment for both Beriberi and Pellagra focus on replenishing the body with B vitamins.

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