Yet, if you have access to foods rich in Vitamin B-1, your chances of developing beriberi are low. Meat, dairy products, and whole grains are all excellent sources of Vitamin B-1 that can prevent you from getting the disease. Genetic beriberi is a rare condition that prevents the body from absorbing Vitamin B-1. 2  Pregnant women and anyone with hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid gland) need extra vitamin B-1.