Pellagra

Background

Pellagra is the deficiency of Niacin (Vitamin B3). Niacin deficiency classically causes the "3 D's": Dermatitis, Diarrhea and Dementia." Niacin is an important factor for the production of NADH and NADPH, which are important for redox reactions. Deficiency therefore affects tissues with high turnover, including skin, GI tract and brain, thereby causing the "3 D's" mentioned above.

Clinical Features

• Skin photosensitivity and rash.
  • secondary to UV damage and decreased repair
• GI symptoms
  • secondary to decreased cell turnover
• Neurological symptoms
  • depression, anxiety, etc.