Niacin deficiency results in?

Appeared in: Tripura CHO - 2021

Explanation

Niacin is also known as Vitamin B3.
A deficiency of niacin leads to a condition called pellagra.
Pellagra is classically known for its '4 Ds' symptoms: Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia, and if untreated, Death.
Niacin is essential for the coenzymes NAD and NADP, which are vital for cellular energy production.
Pellagra often occurs in populations subsisting on maize-based diets, as maize contains a form of niacin that is not easily absorbed by the body.

Option A: Beriberi is caused by a deficiency of Thiamine (Vitamin B1), not Niacin (Vitamin B3).
Option B: Anemia is a general term for low red blood cell count and can have many causes, such as iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency. It is not the primary or specific disease caused by niacin deficiency.
Option D: Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), not Niacin.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vitamin Deficiency Diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to recognize the signs of nutritional deficiencies, as they can indicate underlying issues like malabsorption, alcoholism, or poor dietary habits.
Patient education on balanced diets is a key nursing intervention to prevent conditions like pellagra.
What if? If a patient is taking the tuberculosis drug isoniazid, they are at higher risk for niacin deficiency because the drug interferes with niacin synthesis. In this case, a nurse should monitor for early signs of pellagra and anticipate supplementation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question, which is 'Niacin deficiency'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of vitamins and their associated deficiency diseases.
Mentally link 'Niacin' to its other name, 'Vitamin B3'.
Recall or deduce the specific disease caused by the deficiency of each vitamin listed in the options.
Match 'Niacin (B3)' to 'Pellagra'.
Confirm the mismatch for the other options: Thiamine (B1) causes Beriberi, and Vitamin C causes Scurvy. Anemia is a non-specific symptom with multiple causes.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qxd20-FTpaqHYyQrw6GqF9

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 734-736

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 512-514

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 506-508

Practise the full Tripura CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.