What is the name of the niacin deficiency disease Quizlet?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the serious, multisystem disease caused by a severe deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3) is called pellagra. While a simple search for "What is the name of the niacin deficiency disease Quizlet?" might yield the correct answer, understanding the disease's complexities, causes, and consequences is crucial for a complete education.

Quick Summary

The niacin deficiency disease is pellagra, a condition primarily characterized by the classic "4 D's": dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and if left untreated, death. It can arise from inadequate diet or malabsorption issues. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and response to niacin replacement therapy, with recovery possible with proper treatment.

Key Points

Pellagra is the Name: The disease caused by niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency is known as pellagra.
The "4 Ds": The classic signs of pellagra are dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and if untreated, death.
Two Primary Causes: Pellagra can be either primary, from an inadequate diet, or secondary, from malabsorption issues caused by other conditions.
Clinical Diagnosis: Diagnosis is often based on presenting symptoms and dietary history, with confirmation by observing improvement after niacin therapy.
Treatment is Niacin Replacement: The main treatment involves oral or intravenous niacin (typically nicotinamide) supplementation, along with a high-protein diet and other B vitamins.
Prevention Through Diet: A balanced diet with niacin-rich foods like meat, fish, and fortified grains is the most effective way to prevent primary pellagra.

Understanding Pellagra: The Niacin Deficiency Disease

Niacin, or vitamin B3, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in cellular metabolism, converting food into energy. When the body lacks sufficient niacin, it cannot function properly, leading to the condition known as pellagra. Once prevalent in areas with limited dietary diversity, this disease is now rare in developed countries due to food fortification programs. However, specific at-risk populations and underlying medical conditions can still lead to its development.

The Classic Signs and Symptoms: The 4 Ds

The most recognizable signs of pellagra are often remembered by the mnemonic of the "4 Ds," highlighting the key body systems that are impacted by a lack of vitamin B3.

Dermatitis: The skin is a primary site affected by pellagra, as the skin cells are deprived of energy and become highly photosensitive. This results in a symmetrical, dark red rash that resembles a sunburn and is worsened by sun exposure. A distinctive feature is Casal's collar, a collar-shaped rash around the neck. The affected areas can become rough, scaly, and hyperpigmented.
Diarrhea: The gastrointestinal tract also experiences a high rate of cell turnover, making it vulnerable to niacin deficiency. This can lead to inflammation, causing chronic and sometimes bloody diarrhea, as well as abdominal pain and nausea. A sore, beefy-red, and swollen tongue (glossitis) is also common.
Dementia: The nervous system and brain are also significantly impacted, as niacin is critical for nerve function. Early symptoms are often nonspecific, including fatigue, apathy, and irritability. As the condition progresses, patients may experience confusion, memory loss, disorientation, and paranoia.
Death: Without proper and timely treatment, pellagra can be fatal, making a correct diagnosis and intervention crucial.

Causes of Niacin Deficiency

There are two main types of niacin deficiency that can lead to pellagra: primary and secondary.

Primary Pellagra: This is caused by an inadequate dietary intake of both niacin and the amino acid tryptophan, which the body can convert into niacin. It historically occurred in populations where corn or maize was a primary staple crop, as the niacin in untreated corn is not bioavailable.
Secondary Pellagra: This results from underlying health issues or conditions that interfere with the body's ability to absorb or utilize niacin and tryptophan. Common causes include chronic alcoholism, certain gastrointestinal disorders that cause malabsorption (e.g., Crohn's disease), or drug interactions.

Comparison of Primary and Secondary Pellagra


Feature	Primary Pellagra	Secondary Pellagra
Cause	Inadequate dietary intake of niacin and tryptophan.	Poor absorption or utilization of niacin due to other conditions.
Population	Historically seen in impoverished populations dependent on maize.	Often seen in industrialized nations among chronic alcoholics or those with underlying diseases.
Dietary Impact	Lack of access to niacin-rich foods or use of untreated corn as a staple.	Underlying conditions interfere with nutrient metabolism, regardless of dietary intake.
Treatment Focus	Replenishing niacin through diet and supplements.	Addressing the underlying medical cause in addition to niacin replacement.
Prognosis	Rapid improvement with niacin supplementation.	Dependent on the severity and treatability of the underlying cause.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pellagra

A diagnosis of pellagra is typically clinical, based on the patient's dietary history and the presentation of the classic symptoms, particularly the distinctive skin lesions. In many cases, a favorable response to niacin replacement therapy helps to confirm the diagnosis. Laboratory testing, such as measuring urinary by-products of niacin, can also be used, though these tests are not always readily available.

The primary treatment for pellagra involves providing high doses of niacin supplements, specifically nicotinamide, as it avoids the flushing side effect of nicotinic acid. Patients with pellagra are often malnourished and have other vitamin deficiencies, so a balanced diet and supplementation with other B vitamins are also crucial. For secondary pellagra, treating the underlying condition is essential for a full recovery.

Conclusion

Pellagra is the name for the niacin deficiency disease, and as this article has detailed, it is far more complex than a simple flashcard answer on a platform like Quizlet. Its symptoms manifest as dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia, and it is a condition that requires prompt and accurate medical intervention. While rare in many parts of the world today, it remains a serious health issue in others and for specific at-risk populations. A balanced, nutritious diet rich in niacin is the most effective preventative measure for primary pellagra, while addressing underlying health problems is key for secondary cases.

Authoritative Resource on Pellagra: National Institutes of Health Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

The name of the niacin deficiency disease is pellagra.

The four main symptoms of pellagra are famously known as the "4 Ds": dermatitis (a rash on sun-exposed skin), diarrhea, dementia, and if left untreated, death.

Pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin, also known as vitamin B3.

Pellagra is diagnosed clinically by a healthcare provider based on the patient's symptoms, dietary history, and the rapid improvement observed with niacin supplementation.

Yes, pellagra is treatable and curable through niacin supplementation and dietary changes. Most symptoms improve within days or weeks of starting treatment.

Good sources of niacin include lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, peanuts, legumes, and enriched or fortified bread and cereals.

While pellagra is rare in developed countries due to widespread food fortification, it can still occur in specific populations, such as those with alcoholism, malabsorption disorders, or in developing regions with limited dietary variety.