Pellagra (Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Deficiency)

Vitamin B3 (niacin) is an essential nutrient in the body, and when it’s not consumed enough, this causes pellagra, which could lead to serious complications.

Pellagra

Pellagra is caused as a result of vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency. Vitamin B3 (niacin) is essential to convert food into energy that the cells need to function properly.

Pellagra is common in countries where people don’t consume a balanced diet.

Causes of pellagra

Pellagra mostly occurs as a result of an inadequate diet that doesn’t contain various types of food, and that leads to vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency because it’s found in a wide range of foods. Other causes that prevent the body from absorbing vitamin B3 (niacin) include:

• Diseases that cause malabsorption, such as inflammatory bowel disease and liver cirrhosis.
• Heavy alcohol consumption.
• Iron deficiency anemia.
• Gastric bypass surgery.
• Other conditions, like Hartnup disease, carcinoid syndrome, and HIV.
• Certain drugs like chemotherapy.

Symptoms of pellagra

• Chronic and, sometime, bloody diarrhea.
• Mouth sores.
• Red and swollen tongue.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Abdominal pain.
• Indigestion.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weakness and extreme tiredness.
• Depression and mood changes.
• Skin rashes that are painful or itchy.
• Neurological issues, such as numbness in the hands and feet or tremors.
• Dementia.
• Delirium.
• If pellagra is left untreated for years, it could lead to death.

Diagnosis of pellagra

• Physical exam.
• Medical and diet history.
• Urine test.

Treatment of pellagra

• Vitamin B3 (niacin) supplements.
• Following a well-balanced diet.
• Vitamin B3 (niacin) is particularly found in rice, poultry, beef liver, potatoes, peanuts, beets, sunflower seeds, and oily fish like tuna and salmon.