pellagra
Pathways
Studies (6)
Iron deficiency reduces the efficacy of tryptophan as a niacin precursor
Iron deficiency impairs body converting tryptophan to niacin. Chicks fed the iron-deficient diets had markedly lower hemoglobin concentrations than those fed the iron-adequate diets. Regardless of iron level, chicks had linear growth responses to either nicotinic acid or tryptophan supplementation. Low bio-available iron contributes to niacin deficiency in populations.
Dyssebacia: An Early Cutaneous Marker of Niacin Deficiency
Dyssebacia ( reddening, greasy, flaky scales often around nose and mouth ) is a sign of niacin deficiency.
Acne Vulgaris Is a Special Clinical Type of Pellagra
People with acne often have abnormal lipid profiles and elevated oily secretion on their skin. Foam cells are an important pathological change in acne lesions. Acne is not a skin disease induced by infection, because no bacteria, fungi or parasites can be seen in early phase of acne lesion. The foam cells in acne lesions are white blood cells that have ingested large amounts of lipids. Niacin is the only vitamin that promotes the ability of HDL to scoop up cholesterol particles from plaques in the heart's blood vessels and move those particles to the liver for disposal, which prevents foam cell formation. Foam cells in acne lesions suggest that patients with acne are deficient in niacin and that acne can be considered a type of pellagra (niacin deficiency).
The Importance of "Folic Acid" in Rations low in Nicotinic Acid
Dogs with severe niacin deficiency required folic acid to be administered in tandem with niacin in order to recover and avoid death.
Politics and Pellagra: The Epidemic of Pellagra in the U.S. in the Early Twentieth Century
The 1906 to 1940 epidemic of pellagra was around 3 million cases, with 1 in 30 resulting in death. A Dr Goldberger was appointed to study the cause. Even though correctly identified the root cause as a nutritional deficiency (later to be confirmed as niacin specifically) his prognosis was rejected by politicians in affected regions since they basically didn't want to admit that a diet consisting of largely degerminated cornmeal (which was a key economic export) was not appropriate for human wellbeing. The invention of degerminating corn, which removes nutrients but prolongs shelf-life, coincided with the appearance of the disease. Goldberger would cure orphans suffering from pellagra by feeding them a more varied diet including fresh milk and meat.
The isolation and identification of the anti-black tongue factor
A study from 1937 showing supplementing niacin cures black tongue in dogs just as well as feeding them liver. Other studies from the time are also mentioned such as one that shows rats supplementing nicotinic acid (niacin) lived longer.