Pelagra Choroba

Pelagra Choroba: A B3 Deficiency Disease

What is Pelagra?

Pelagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3).

It is characterized by the "4 Ds": dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death.

Pelagra is most common in developing countries where corn is the staple food. Corn is low in niacin, and people who eat a lot of corn without other sources of niacin are at risk for developing pellagra.

Symptoms of Pelagra

The symptoms of pellagra can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency.

Mild Deficiency

Fatigue

Weakness

Loss of appetite

Moderate to Severe Deficiency

Dermatitis: This is a skin rash that is typically symmetrical and appears on sun-exposed areas of the body.

Diarrhea: This can be severe and lead to dehydration.

Dementia: This can range from mild memory problems to severe psychosis.

Death: If left untreated, pellagra can be fatal.

Causes of Pelagra

The most common cause of pellagra is a dietary deficiency of niacin.

This can occur for a number of reasons, including:

Eating a diet that is low in niacin, such as a diet based primarily on corn.

Having a condition that interferes with the absorption of niacin, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease.

Taking medications that interfere with the absorption or metabolism of niacin, such as isoniazid or statins.

Treatment for Pelagra

The treatment for pellagra is to correct the niacin deficiency.

This can be done by eating a diet rich in niacin or by taking niacin supplements.

In severe cases, niacin may need to be given intravenously.

Prevention of Pelagra

The best way to prevent pellagra is to eat a diet rich in niacin.

Good sources of niacin include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and whole grains.

People who are at risk for developing pellagra may also want to consider taking a niacin supplement.

Conclusion

Pelagra is a serious disease that can be caused by a deficiency of niacin.

The symptoms of pellagra can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency, but they typically include dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death.

The treatment for pellagra is to correct the niacin deficiency, and the best way to prevent pellagra is to eat a diet rich in niacin.