Pellagra is caused by deficiency of which vitamins?

Appeared in: HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

Pellagra is a systemic disease resulting from a severe deficiency of niacin, which is also known as Vitamin B3.
The condition is famously characterized by the '4 Ds': Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia, and, if untreated, Death.
Niacin is crucial for cellular metabolism, acting as a precursor for the coenzymes NAD and NADP, which are vital for oxidation-reduction reactions in the body.
Dietary sources include meat, fish, and whole grains. The body can also convert the amino acid tryptophan into niacin.

Option A: A deficiency in Vitamin A (Retinol) does not cause pellagra. It primarily affects vision and epithelial cell integrity.
Option C: A deficiency in Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) leads to hematological and neurological disorders, not pellagra.
Option D: A deficiency in Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) causes scurvy, a disease affecting connective tissues.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vitamin Deficiencies and Associated Diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in identifying at-risk populations for pellagra, including individuals with alcohol use disorder, malabsorptive conditions (like Crohn's disease), and those on maize-based diets.
Patient education is a critical nursing intervention, focusing on dietary modifications to include niacin-rich foods and tryptophan.
Monitoring for the '4 Ds' is essential for early diagnosis and intervention to prevent severe complications and mortality.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Pellagra'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of vitamin deficiencies.
Access your memory about the specific vitamin linked to pellagra. A useful mnemonic is the '3 Ds' (or '4 Ds') of pellagra, which are symptoms of Niacin (B3) deficiency.
Scan the options provided: Vitamin A, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin C.
Match 'Pellagra' with its corresponding vitamin, which is Vitamin B3.
Confirm your choice by mentally ruling out the other options: Vitamin A causes night blindness, B12 causes pernicious anemia, and C causes scurvy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QBvZJGRMBLHtqmhLa-4NVk

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

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

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) p. 131-133

Practise the full HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

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