Some succumbed to beriberi -- caused by a vitamin deficiency and easily treatable.

CNN: MALAYSIA

Many in the camps suffer from beriberi, gastritis, ulcers, chicken pox and diarrhea.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek

In fact, beriberi is a rare but easily treatable disease caused by lack of Vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is abundant in unpolished rice.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek

Megat blames "natural causes like beriberi" for the fatalities.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek

Ms. Warner recounts what life was like in poor areas before the introduction of vitamins into food substances, the fortification of white flour and milk, and the widespread availability of items like orange juice: Many people suffered from rickets (because of insufficient vitamin D and calcium), scurvy (vitamin C), pellagra (vitamin B3) and beriberi (vitamin B1).

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