MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pellagra

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Pellagra

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Illustrations Alternative Names	Definition

Illustrations

Vitamin B3 deficit

Alternative Names Return to top

Vitamin B3 deficiency; Deficiency - niacin

Definition Return to top

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) in their diet. It can also occur if the body fails to absorb these nutrients.

The disease is common in parts of the world where people have a lot of corn in their diet. It is characterized by scaly skin sores, diarrhea, inflamed mucous membranes, mental confusion, and delusions. It may develop after gastrointestinal diseases or alcoholism.

Update Date: 10/26/2006

Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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