The deficiency of which nutrient causes Pellagra?

MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Explanation

Pellagra is caused by a deficiency of Niacin, which is also known as Vitamin B3.
The condition is famously characterized by the '3 Ds': Dermatitis (skin rash), Diarrhea (gastrointestinal issues), and Dementia (neurological problems).
This deficiency can arise from a diet low in niacin and its precursor, the amino acid tryptophan, often seen in populations relying heavily on maize.
The body can synthesize niacin from tryptophan, so a deficiency in either can lead to pellagra.

Option A: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) deficiency causes a condition called ariboflavinosis, not pellagra.
Option C: Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) deficiency is associated with conditions like peripheral neuropathy, microcytic anemia, and seizures.
Option D: Folate (Vitamin B9) deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia and is critically associated with neural tube defects in newborns.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The concept tested is the identification of the specific vitamin deficiency that leads to the clinical condition known as Pellagra as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to recognize the signs of nutritional deficiencies like pellagra, especially in at-risk populations such as individuals with alcoholism, malabsorption syndromes, or those on restrictive diets (e.g., maize-based).
Patient education is a key nursing role. This includes teaching about balanced diets rich in niacin sources like meat, fish, legumes, and enriched grains to prevent deficiency.
What if? If a patient presents with the characteristic dermatitis of pellagra but also has severe confusion and ataxia, the nurse should prioritize immediate neurological assessment and safety precautions, as these signs point to advanced dementia and potential Wernicke's encephalopathy, which can co-exist in malnourished patients.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of vitamins and their associated deficiency diseases.
First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Pellagra'.
Next, recall the specific vitamin deficiency associated with Pellagra. A useful mnemonic is the '3 Ds' of Pellagra (Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia) which are caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B3 (Niacin).
Evaluate the given options: Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6), and Folate (B9).
Match 'Pellagra' with the correct vitamin, which is Niacin.
It's also helpful to remember the deficiency diseases for the other B vitamins to confidently eliminate the incorrect options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The concept tested is the identification of the specific vitamin deficiency that leads to the clinical condition known as Pellagra.
Stem keywords: deficiency, nutrient, Pellagra
Lead-in keywords: which
Negative lead-in flag: false

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