Vitamin B1
Explanation
Vitamins are essential organic micronutrients required for proper metabolic functioning. A prolonged lack of specific vitamins in the diet leads to distinct deficiency diseases.Analysis of Options:
- Vitamin A (Retinol): Its deficiency primarily affects vision and epithelial tissues, leading to conditions such as Night Blindness and Xerophthalmia. It is not associated with Beriberi.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Its deficiency causes Beriberi. Thiamine is crucial for glucose metabolism. Deficiency leads to the accumulation of pyruvate and lactate, affecting the nervous system (Dry Beriberi) and the cardiovascular system (Wet Beriberi).
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Its deficiency causes Scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums, skin spots, and poor wound healing due to impaired collagen synthesis.
- Vitamin D (Calciferol): Its deficiency leads to impaired bone mineralization, causing Rickets in children and Osteomalacia in adults.
Key Takeaway: Beriberi is a nutritional disorder caused specifically by a deficiency of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).