Pellagra

Pellagra is a nutritional deficiency disorder caused by a lack of niacin (vitamin B3) in the diet. It is most commonly seen in areas with a low-income and limited access to nutritional resources. Symptoms include a red, scaly rash on the face, neck, chest, and hands; diarrhea; weakness; confusion; and fatigue. Left untreated, pellagra can lead to death within a few years. Treatment involves adding niacin to the diet in the form of fortified foods, supplements, or medications. Pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin or its precursor, tryptophan. Niacin plays an important role in energy metabolism and is essential for the formation of several enzymes. Without adequate amounts of niacin, these enzymes cannot function properly and the body cannot utilize energy from food. A lack of niacin in the diet can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including weakened immunity, skin problems, and neurological disorders. Pellagra is most common in areas with limited access to nutritional resources, such as parts of Africa, India, and South America. It is also seen in people with alcoholism, anorexia, and other conditions that interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Treatment of pellagra involves adding niacin to the diet in the form of fortified foods, supplements, or medications. With proper treatment, pellagra can be prevented and the symptoms reversed.