What is the primary health issue associated with beriberi?

The primary health issue associated with beriberi is a nutritional deficiency, specifically a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1). Beriberi manifests in two main forms: wet and dry. Wet beriberi affects the cardiovascular system, leading to symptoms such as edema and heart complications, while dry beriberi primarily impacts the nervous system, resulting in symptoms like weakness, peripheral neuropathy, and muscle wasting.

Thiamine is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and the proper functioning of the nervous system, and its deficiency can lead to the severe health consequences seen in beriberi. The condition highlights the importance of nutritional intake in maintaining health and preventing deficiencies that can lead to debilitating diseases. This understanding aligns with the classification of beriberi as a direct result of inadequate nutrition rather than being primarily connected to infections, metabolic disorders, or cardiovascular diseases.