What causes pellagra?
Pellagra is caused by a deficiency in niacin. This can occur in 2 ways: • Primary pellagra results from inadequate niacin and/or tryptophan in the diet (mainly in developing countries or poverty stricken areas) • Secondary pellagra occurs when there is enough niacin in the diet but something prevents its absorption and processing. Causes of secondary pellagra include: • Chronic alcoholism • Prolonged diarrhoea • Gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis • Liver cirrhosis • Carcinoid tumours • Hartnup disease (tryptophan metabolism disorder) • Drugs e.g.
