A deficiency in vitamin B1 can lead to which condition?

A deficiency in vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is directly linked to a condition called beriberi. Beriberi is characterized by symptoms that can affect both the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. There are two main types of beriberi: wet beriberi, which impacts the heart and circulatory system, leading to issues like edema and heart failure, and dry beriberi, which primarily affects the nervous system, potentially causing muscle weakness and nerve damage.

In contrast, the other conditions listed are associated with deficiencies of different vitamins. Scurvy is related to a lack of vitamin C, anemia typically results from inadequate intake of iron or vitamin B12, and night blindness is primarily caused by insufficient vitamin A. Thus, the link between vitamin B1 deficiency and beriberi highlights the vital role this vitamin plays in maintaining health, particularly in energy metabolism and nerve function.