What kind of disease is pellagra and where does it occur?
Pellagra is a vitamin deficiency disease caused by dietary lack of niacin (B3) and protein, especially proteins containing the essential amino acid tryptophan.[1] Because tryptophan can be converted into niacin, foods with tryptophan but without niacin, such as milk, prevent pellagra. However, if dietary tryptophan is diverted into protein production, niacin deficiency may still result. Pellagra is an endemic disease in Africa, Mexico, Indonesia and China. In affluent societies, a majority of patients with clinical pellagra are poor, homeless, alcohol dependent, or psychiatric patients who refuse food.[2] Tryptophan is an essential amino acid found in soybeans, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. If one’s diet contains these foods, one’s need for niacin from other sources will be reduced.[3] The relationship between leucine and pellagra is unclear. Sources: http://en.wikipedia.
