Thiamine deficiency and its prevention and control in major
emergencies Severe thiamine deficiency causes, beriberi, which
is a disorder typically associated with a diet consisting
largely of polished rice. It may also occur when refined wheat
flour forms a major part of the diet and among alcoholics and
food faddists. Thiamine deficiency can develop within 2-3 months
of inadequate consumption; it is characterized either by cardiac
involvement with oedema or by peripheral neuropathy, with
intermediate forms between these two extremes also occuring.
Left untreated, thiamine deficiency leads to disability and
death. In the past decade, several refugee populations that were
wholly dependent on food aid have developed thiamine deficiency.
This document is intended primarily as a basis for ensuring
adequate thiamine intake among populations in emergency
settings. It reviews strategies for preventing thiamine
deficiency among refugees and analyses factors influencing
success and failure. Also included are a review