Pellagra is a deficiency of _______.

• Pellagra:
-Pellagra is a systemic disease caused by vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency.
-It is characterised by the 4 D's — dermatitis, diarrhoea, dementia and, if untreated, death.
-The name 'pellagra' is derived from the Italian 'pelle agra' meaning sour or rough skin.

✅ Explanation:

• Vitamins:
-Vitamins are organic substances that we require in adequate quantities for good health.
-Vitamins are divided into two groups fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble vitamins (Vitamins of B group and Vitamin C). 
-Each vitamin has a specific function and its deficiency leads to a particular deficiency disease.

• Nicene or Vitamin B3 :
-Sources of vitamin B3 are whole cereals, tomatoes, potatoes, meat and fish.
-Vitamin B3 need for healthy skin, digestion and the nervous system.
-It is soluble in water and its formula is C₆H₅NO₂.
-The deficiency of vitamin B3 causes pellagra.

🔴 Additional Information:Thiamine or Vitamin B1:
-Sources of thiamine or vitamin B1 are Seafood, milk, meat, peas, cereals, and green vegetables.
-Vitamin B1 need for growth and development, releasing energy from carbohydrates.
-It is a water-soluble vitamin.
-The deficiency of vitamin B1 causes Beri Beri.

• Iodine:
-It is a mineral, its sources are  Iodised salt, seafood and water.
-Iodine needs for the proper functioning of the thyroid.
-Its deficiency cause goitre.
-Symptoms of goitre are throat tightness, throat swelling etc.

• Riboflavin or Vitamin B2:
-Sources of Riboflavin or vitamin B2  are yeast, egg, meat, and peas.
-Vitamin B2 need for body growth and red cell production, releasing energy from carbohydrates.
-The deficiency cause skin diseases, retarded growth.