Why does chronic thiamine deficiency lead to peripheral neuropathy in beriberi?

💡 Explanation

Peripheral neuropathy results from impaired ATP production because thiamine is a crucial cofactor for enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism, specifically pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. Therefore, nerve cells lack sufficient energy, rather than structural protein or heme deficits, leading to functional impairment.

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