Abstract
Recently, a considerable number of beriberi patients was found among the young generation in Japan. In such situation, we investigated the food habits and dietary thiamine intake of the students and following results and conclusions were obtained. 1. We determined thiamine contents in various foods which were served at cafeteria and dormitory dining rooms of university. It is clarified that thiamine contents in various combinations of food groups on the menu are less than the value recommended by the Japanese Government (400μg/1,000 Cal). 2. Instant foods and soft drinks which are generally favorite by students contains very low amount of thiamine. 3. Survey on food habits have clarified that only 38% of students take three meals, 54% take two meals and 8% take only one meal per day. 4. From these findings, it can be concluded that dietary thiamine deficiency coupled with abberant food habits may be attributed to the occurrance of beriberi in young generation.
