What Causes Pellagra?
Pellagra is a disease that generally develops due to a deficiency in vitamin B3. Niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency, the cause of pellagra, occurs as a result of malnutrition. This deficiency extremely negatively affects the nervous and digestive systems, as well as the skin. It leads to mental problems, skin diseases, and diarrhea. Pellagra, which varies from patient to patient, can be mild or severe. It manifests itself across a very wide spectrum, from depression to mild fatigue. It can be continuous or recur at specific intervals.
It is mostly seen as a result of malnutrition associated with alcohol use, and not supplementing with foods containing B vitamins. It mostly appears in the spring months.
Secondary causes of pellagra are digestive system problems that reduce the body's niacin absorption. As a result of diseases that prevent niacin absorption, even if foods containing the B vitamin complex are consumed, they cannot be processed by the body.
Nutritional deficiency and alcoholism are the primary factors that trigger pellagra. To mitigate the risk of pellagra, strengthening the immune system, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, taking vitamin supplements under medical supervision, and eating a diet rich in vitamins B and E are highly beneficial.
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