Question

Prolonged thiamine deficiency in the diet leads to
(a) Anaemia
(b) Loss of muscle tone and damage to nerves
(c) Haemorrhage
(d) Pellagra

Answer 1

Thiamine is another name for vitamin B1. Vitamin B complex is water-soluble. Vitamin deficiency in the diet leads to abnormal functioning of the body. Vitamin B1 is an essential micronutrient that cannot be made or metabolized in the body. Thiamine deficiency is caused by restricted dietary intake or poor absorption from the diet.

Complete answer:
Loss of muscle tone and damage to nerves is the result of prolonged thiamine deficiency in the diet which is also called Beri-beri. It affects the muscles, heart, nerves, and digestive system. It may also be caused due to alcoholism, dialysis, and genetic deficiencies. Thiamine deficiency also leads to shortness of breath and affects the cardiovascular system.

Additional Information: - Food sources of thiamine include whole grains, legumes, meat, and fish.
- Thiamine is stable at acidic pH but is unstable in alkaline solutions. For the metabolism of glucose, lipids, and amino acids thiamine is required.
- Thiamine was first discovered in 1897 and was the first vitamin to be isolated in 1926.
- Thiamine is an essential micronutrient and in less severe cases it causes weight loss, irritability, confusion.
- Thiamine is associated with the prevention of abnormal development of muscles and nerves, pricking and burning sensation in the toes and feet, leg cramps, and atrophy or wasting of muscles.
So, the correct answer is loss of muscle tone and damage to nerves.

Note: Beri-beri is of two types: wet and dry beriberi. Dry beriberi affects the nervous system resulting in numbness of hands and feet and pain. Wet beriberi affects the cardiovascular system resulting in a fast rate, shortness of breath, and leg swelling. Vitamin B complex and vitamin C are water-soluble and vitamin A, D, E, and K are lipid-soluble.