GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -The objective of the studies in the Dutch Indies was to find the cause of beri–beri. Eijkman’s first idea was that the disease was caused by bacteria. To investigate this this Eijkman had animals infected with bacteria, but they did not develop the disease. He concluded that longer incubation was necessary.

Detailed explanation-2: -He discovered, after the departure of Pekelharing and Winkler, that the real cause of beriberi was the deficiency of some vital substance in the staple food of the natives, which is located in the so-called “silver skin” (pericarpium) of the rice. This discovery has led to the concept of vitamins.

Detailed explanation-3: -Systematic studies of beriberi began in the Dutch East Indies in the 1880s. Cornelis Pekelharing and Cornelis Winkler investigated beriberi in the Dutch East Indies and thought that they had isolated a micrococcus that was responsible for the disease.

Detailed explanation-4: -Today, beriberi occurs mostly in people who abuse alcohol. Drinking heavily can lead to poor nutrition. Excess alcohol makes it harder for the body to absorb and store vitamin B1. In rare cases, beriberi can be genetic.