Cuban neuropathy
# Cuban neuropathy

An epidemic of optic and peripheral neuropathy occurred in Cuba during 1991–1994. According to a preliminary summary from the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP), there were 50,862 cases out of a population of 10.8 million. The etiology is likely nutritional deficiencies, particularly thiamine, compounded by toxic effects of alcohol and tobacco use.

This marked a period of acute food shortage and changes in the Cuban basic diet where studies were done resulting in inconclusive hypothesis, example: the wide introduction of products based on unfermented soy beans affecting vitamin absorption.

## Sources

* ↑ Ordauiez-Garcia, Pedro O.; Nieto, F. Javier; Espinosa-Brito, A. D.; Caballero, B. (May 1996). "Cuban Epidemic Neuropathy, 1991 to 1994: History Repeats Itself a Century after the "Amblyopia of the Blockade"". American Journal of Public Health. 86: 738–743. PMID 8629731.
* ↑ "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: International Notes Epidemic Neuropathy – Cuba, 1991–1994". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 25 March 2017.

Macias-Matos C, Rodriguez-Ojea A, Chi N, Jimenez S, Zulueta D, Bates CJ. Biochemical evidence of thiamine depletion during the Cuban neuropathy epidemic, 1992–1993. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996 Sep;64(3):347-53.

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