What is the result of a deficiency in vitamin B1?

A deficiency in vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, leads to a condition called beriberi. This vitamin plays a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system. In instances where the body does not receive enough thiamine, symptoms can include weakness, nerve damage, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular issues.

Beriberi is often categorized into two types: wet and dry. Wet beriberi affects the cardiovascular system, leading to fluid retention and swelling, while dry beriberi primarily impacts the nervous system, resulting in muscle weakness and numbness. The linkage between thiamine deficiency and this condition highlights the vital importance of adequate intake of this nutrient for overall health and normal physiological functions.

The other options listed (scurvy, rickets, and pellagra) are associated with deficiencies in different vitamins, specifically vitamin C, vitamin D, and niacin, respectively. Thus, they do not relate to thiamine deficiency.