Tag: Causes of pellagra

Historically, pellagra was responsible for over 100,000 deaths in the American South, a time when many lacked niacin due to poor diet. This once-common and devastating condition is caused by a severe vitamin B3 deficiency, profoundly affecting multiple body systems, including the skin, digestive tract, and nervous system.

According to the World Health Organization, outbreaks of pellagra have been reported among displaced populations in recent decades, highlighting its persistent threat in areas of poor nutrition. This article explains which vitamin deficiency is associated with the disease pellagra and outlines its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Pellagra, characterized by the 'four Ds' of dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death, was once a widespread epidemic in regions with poor nutrition. The primary cause of pellagra is a severe deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3), or its precursor tryptophan, which can result from a poor diet or from underlying conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption and metabolism. Understanding this central cause is key to effective prevention and treatment.