Definition
Pellagra is a disease that occurs when a person does not get enough
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
