Pellagra

Answer 1

Pellagra is not a vitamin, it's a disease.

It can be classed as either primary or secondary pellagra. Primary pellagra is typically caused by insufficient levels of dietary niacin, also known as vitamin B3 (exogenous production) or of the amino acid tryptophan, from which the body synthesizes niacin (endogenous production). It may result from decreased dietary intake, decreased nutrient absorption or increased nutritional requirements, or a combination of these factors. It may occur secondary to alcoholism, chronic gastrointestinal disease, carcinoid syndrome, or Hartnup disease, amongst a range of other conditions. Secondary pellagra is due to impaired amino acid conversion.

Pellagra is also frequently seen amongst populations that consume large quantities of corn and minimal animal protein, as corn is low in both niacin and biologically available tryptophan.

Catherine Convery Walsh

Registered Dietitian

MSc Human Nutrition and Metabolism, University of Aberdeen Medical School

Answer 2

Definition

Pellagra is a disease that occurs when a person does not get enough niacin (one of the B complex vitamins) or tryptophan (an amino acid).

Alternative Names

Vitamin B3 deficiency; Deficiency - niacin

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Pellagra is caused by having too little niacin or tryptophan in the diet. It can also occur if the body fails to absorb these nutrients. It may develop after gastrointestinal diseases or with Alcoholism.

The disease is common in parts of the world where people have a lot of corn in their diet.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pellagra include:

• Delusions
• Diarrhea
• Inflamed mucous membranes
• Mental confusion
• Scaly skin sores

References

Brust JCM. Nutrition- and alcohol-related neurologic disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 443.

Chenoweth WL. Vitamin B complex deficiency and excess. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 46.

Answer 3

Definition

Pellagra is a disease that occurs when a person does not get enough niacin (one of the B complex vitamins) or tryptophan (an amino acid).

Alternative Names

Vitamin B3 deficiency; Deficiency - niacin

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Pellagra is caused by having too little niacin or tryptophan in the diet. It can also occur if the body fails to absorb these nutrients. It may develop after gastrointestinal diseases or with alcoholism.

The disease is common in parts of the world where people have a lot of corn in their diet.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pellagra include:

• Delusions
• Diarrhea
• Inflamed mucus membranes
• Mental confusion
• Scaly skin sores

References

So YT, Simon RP. Deficiency diseases of the nervous system. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann;2008:chap 61.

Kumar N. Neurologic presentation of nutritional deficiencies. Neurol Clin. 2010;28:107-170.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 10/28/2010

Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Answer 4

Pellagra is a disease, which creates skin lesions and mental confusion, primarily caused by a niacin deficiency.

Answer 5

the pellagra story is a vitaman defiency disease

Answer 6

it was a bad disease

Answer 7

Niacin