Pellagra

What is pellagra? Pellagra is a systemic disease caused by vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency. It is characterised by the 4 D’s — dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia and, if untreated, death. The name ‘pellagra’ is derived from the Italian ‘pelle agra’ meaning sour or rough skin. Photosensitive dermatitis of pellagra Who gets pellagra? Primary pellagra due to a deficient diet is common particularly in developing countries where corn (maize) is a major food source or following prolonged disasters including famine or war. Although corn is rich in niacin, it is in a bound form unable to be accessed unless treated with alkaline solutions, and the proteins in corn are low in tryptophan. Pellagra remains endemic in India, China, and some African countries. In developed countries many foods, such as bread and cereal, are fortified with niacin, making pellagra rare. However severe food restriction can still result in pellagra and other signs of malnutrition such as may occur with chronic alcohol abuse, anorexia nervosa, or self-imposed diets. Alcoholism is the commonest cause of pellagra in developed countries. Secondary pellagra develops despite an adequate diet due to: • Malabsorption — inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhoea, • Drug-induced • Inhibition of the tryptophan-niacin pathway eg, • Structural analogue of niacin eg, • Metabolic steal — syndrome steals tryptophan from the niacin pathway to make serotonin. A form of pellagra is seen in Hartnup disease (MIM 234500), an auto...

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Pellagra is a systemic disease caused by a severe deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3). It affects the whole body and can eventually lead to death. Primary pellagra is caused by a lack of niacin in your diet. It usually occurs in poor and food-limited populations. Secondary pellagra can occur when your body is unable to absorb the niacin you eat. Overview What is pellagra? Pellagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of niacin, otherwise known as vitamin B3. It’s a form of Niacin is found in many food sources, and most people who eat a balanced diet get enough of it. But primary pellagra — from inadequate dietary intake — is still a significant problem in impoverished and food-limited populations. In the industrialized world, niacin deficiency is more likely to occur from secondary causes — from health conditions or substances that prevent your body from absorbing or using niacin. What is niacin and what do I need it for? Your body uses niacin (vitamin B3) to convert food calories into energy. The niacin you eat is absorbed through your Coenzyme NAD helps transfer the potential energy in macronutrients — carbohydrates, proteins and fats — into the kind of energy your cells can use (adenosine triphosphate, or ATP). Your cells depend on it for energy to function, and body systems with higher energy requirements depend on it more. NAD is also involved in a variety of specific cellular functions, including DNA repair and cellular communication. How does niacin deficiency affect m...

Pellagra is a condition that occurs due to a lack of vitamin B-3, otherwise known as niacin. It can cause many symptoms, but the most common are diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia. Without diagnosis and treatment, pellagra can be life threatening. In this article, learn more about pellagra, including the risk factors and treatment options. Pellagra is a disorder that occurs when a person does not get enough niacin, or vitamin B-3. There are two types of pellagra: primary and secondary. Primary pellagra comes from not getting enough niacin in the diet, whereas secondary pellagra develops when the body is unable to absorb niacin. There is niacin in animal proteins, fruits, and vegetables. The body can also make niacin using essential amino acids. The body acquires these amino acids from other foods, such as chicken and sunflower seeds. Primary pellagra is Some conditions, such as alcohol use disorder and HIV, stop the body from absorbing niacin and Pellagra causes gastrointestinal, skin, and neurological issues. The primary symptoms are: • diarrhea • skin inflammation • dementia Gastrointestinal symptoms The most common gastrointestinal issue is diarrhea. Diarrhea is the passing of loose, watery stools at least Diarrhea can lead to dangerous dehydration, and it can cause malnutrition over time, as it can affect the absorption of nutrients from food. It is also often the Other gastrointestinal symptoms include: • vomiting • abdominal pain • nausea • indigestion • decreased ap...

Pellagra used to be a very common condition, especially in parts of the world that were dependent on corn-based diets. Today, most cases of pellagra occur in poverty-stricken areas, in people with health conditions that impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients, and also in people with chronic alcoholism. While the condition can be cured if diagnosed, pellagra can be fatal if left untreated. Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee Symptoms Vitamin B3 (also known as niacin) is essential to good health. Niacin helps our bodies convert the food we eat into energy. Two coenzymes produced by niacin, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), also have important roles in the body. These coenzymes are integral to functions like gene expression and cellular processes such as cholesterol synthesis. Niacin can be consumed directly through the foods we eat—these are either foods that are fortified or naturally-rich in vitamin B3, such as meat, dairy, and nuts. Our bodies can also convert an amino acid protein called tryptophan into niacin. Turkey is a very rich dietary source of tryptophan and therefore can help stave off niacin deficiency. The adult Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) recommendations for niacin is 14 to 16 milligrams of niacin equivalents (mg/NE). If a person does not get enough niacin, or if they have a health condition that impairs the body's ability to use niacin or convert tryptophan into niacin, they are at risk for develo...

The main symptoms of pellagra are dermatitis, dementia, and diarrhea. This is because niacin deficiency is most noticeable in body parts with high rates of cell turnover, such as your skin or gastrointestinal tract. Dermatitis related to pellagra usually causes a rash on the face, lips, feet, or hands. In some people, dermatitis forms around the neck, a symptom known as Casal necklace. Additional dermatitis symptoms include: • red, flaky skin • areas of discoloration, ranging from red to brown • thick, crusty, scaly, or cracked skin • itchy, burning patches of skin In some cases, the neurological signs of pellagra appear early on, but they’re often hard to identify. As the disease progresses, possible dementia symptoms include: • • depression • confusion, irritability, or mood changes • headaches • restlessness or anxiety • disorientation or delusions Other possible pellagra symptoms include: • sores on the lips, tongue, or gums • decreased appetite • trouble eating and drinking • nausea and vomiting There are two types of pellagra, known as primary pellagra and secondary pellagra. Primary pellagra is caused by diets low in niacin or tryptophan. Tryptophan can be converted to niacin in the body, so not getting enough can cause niacin deficiency. Primary pellagra is most common in developing countries that depend on corn as a staple food. Corn contains niacytin, a form of niacin that humans can’t digest and absorb unless prepared properly. Secondary pellagra occurs when you...