Disease or Syndrome
pellagra Audio
pel·la·gra [ puh-lag-ruh, -ley-gruh, -lah- ]
Subclass of:
Vitamin B Deficiency
Etymology:
Some authorities derive this word from Latin pellis = skin + Greek agra = seizure or disease; others, from Italian pelle = skin + agra = rough
Definitions related to pellagra:
  • A disease due to deficiency of NIACIN, a B-complex vitamin, or its precursor TRYPTOPHAN. It is characterized by scaly DERMATITIS which is often associated with DIARRHEA and DEMENTIA (the three D's).
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • A rare disease brought on by severe niacin deficiency that causes diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
  • Pellagra is a nutritional disorder caused by a deficiency in niacin (vitamin B3) or its precursor (tryptophan) that is mainly observed in Asia and Africa where it is generally due to poor nutrition. It is characterized by dermatitis (symmetrical photodistributed erythema that may be accompanied by vesicles and bullae, and that develops into hyperkeratotic and hyperpigmented skin), gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea), and neuropsychiatric disorders (dementia). It can be life-threatening without a correct management.
    OrphaNet
    INSERM, 2021
  • Pellagra, nutritional disorder caused by a dietary deficiency of niacin (also called nicotinic acid) or a failure of the body to absorb this vitamin or the amino acid tryptophan, which is converted to niacin in the body. Pellagra is characterized by skin lesions and by gastrointestinal and...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.