Vitamin B3 deficiency

Nutrients

Also known as pellagra (when severe).

 

Pathophysiology

This is a deficiency of B3 vitamers: niacin and tryptophan.

 

Symptoms

• Diarrhoea
• Skin rash
• Sun sensitivity
• Sleep disturbances
• Confusion
• Aggression 
• Unsteady gait
• Numbness
• Parasthesia
• Hair loss

 

Signs

• Dermatitis 
• Glossitis 
• Oedema
• Ataxia
• Psychosensory disturbances
• Psychomotor agitation

 

Complications

• Peripheral neuritis 
• Paralysis
• Dilated cardiomyopathy

 

Prognosis

• Untreated patients progress to dementia and death within 5 years.