Answer - A - The patient may have developed pellagra, resulting from niacin deficiency. Niacin, or vitamin B3 is an essential component of several coenzymes. Pellagra occurs when niacin and tryptophan levels are low or when the conversion of the essential amino acids to the coenzyme is compromised.
Pellagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3) in the diet. Niacin is an essential nutrient that is required for the proper functioning of many enzymes in the body.
The symptoms of pellagra can include skin rashes and discoloration, diarrhea, and dementia. In severe cases, pellagra can be fatal. The disease is most commonly found in areas where the diet is mainly based on maize (corn), which is low in niacin and tryptophan (an amino acid that the body can use to synthesize niacin).
Pellagra can be prevented and treated by consuming a diet that is rich in niacin and tryptophan. Good sources of niacin include meat, fish, poultry, and whole-grain products, while tryptophan can be found in dairy products, meats, and nuts. In severe cases, niacin supplements may be prescribed.
With access to a balanced and nutritious diet, pellagra is a rare disease today, but it was once a major public health problem in many countries, particularly in regions where maize was the staple food crop.
