Which group of three of the following five statements (1–5) contain all three correct statements regarding beri-beri? 1. A crippling disease prevalent among the native population of sub-Saharan Africa 2. A deficiency disease caused by lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) 3. A nutritional disorder in infants and young children when the diet is persistently deficient in essential protein 4. Occurs in those countries where the staple diet is polished rice 5. The symptoms are pain from neuritis, paralysis, muscle wasting, progressive oedema, mental deterioration and finally heart failure.
- 2, 4 and 5
- 1, 2 and 4
- 1, 3 and 5
- 2, 3 and 5
Answer
(1) 2, 4 and 5
Solution
Beri-beri is a deficiency disease caused by lack of thiamine (vitamin B1). ⇒ Statement 2 is correct.
∵ Polishing of rice removes the thiamine-rich outer layers (bran), the disease is common where the staple diet is polished rice. ⇒ Statement 4 is correct.
Lack of thiamine affects nerves, muscles and heart: neuritis, paralysis, muscle wasting, oedema, mental deterioration and finally heart failure. ⇒ Statement 5 is correct.
Statement 3 describes kwashiorkor (protein deficiency), not beri-beri; statement 1 is not a description of beri-beri.
∴ The correct group is 2, 4 and 5.
Answer: (1)