Pellagra

Vitamin B3 deficit

Pellagra is a disease of deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3) which causes problems in the skin and the digestive and nervous systems.

Also known as: Vitamin B3 deficiency and Deficiency - niacin

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).

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.

See also:

  • Special Topic

    Tryptophan

    Amino acids

    Tryptophan is an needed for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. It is an essential amino acid, which means your body cannot produce it — you must get it from your diet.

  • Nutrition

    Niacin

    Vitamin B3 benefit

    Niacin is a type of B vitamin. It is water-soluble, which means it is not stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of such vitamins in your diet.

Review date:
October 28, 2010
Reviewed by:
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.
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