Question

Which one of the following diseases is caused by the deficiency of niacin:

• A. Anemia
• B. Night Blindness
• C. Pellagra
• D. Scurvy

Hint:

Remember the "3 Ds" of Pellagra (Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia) to identify niacin deficiency diseases. Niacin is crucial for energy metabolism and skin health.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to name the disease that develops when the diet does not supply enough niacin.

Step 2: Key Concept:
Niacin (vitamin B3) is the building block for NAD and NADP, two coenzymes that nearly every cell needs for energy production and DNA repair, so a shortage affects fast turnover tissues like skin, gut lining, and nerve tissue first.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
A chronic lack of niacin, or of its amino acid precursor tryptophan, produces pellagra, remembered by the three D's, dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia, with death as a fourth D if it is left untreated.
Anemia instead traces back to iron, B12, or folate shortages. Night blindness comes from a lack of vitamin A. Scurvy is caused by insufficient vitamin C. None of these three match niacin's role.

Step 4: Final Answer:
A niacin deficiency causes pellagra.