Deficiency of which vitamin causes glossitis, dementia, rough keratotic areas on skin and gastrointestinal symptoms?

 # Deficiency of which vitamin causes glossitis, dementia, rough keratotic areas on skin and gastrointestinal symptoms?

A. Riboflavin

B. Pyridoxine

C. Niacin

D. Pantothenic acid

The correct answer is C. Niacin.

Pellagra is a disease caused by a lack of the vitamin niacin (vitamin B3). Symptoms include inflamed skin, diarrhea, dementia, and sores in the mouth. Areas of the skin exposed to either sunlight or friction are typically affected first. Over time affected skin may become darker, stiffen, peel, or bleed.

There are two main types of pellagra, primary and secondary. Primary pellagra is due to a diet that does not contain enough niacin and tryptophan. Secondary pellagra is due to a poor ability to use the niacin within the diet. This can occur as a result of alcoholism, long-term diarrhea, carcinoid syndrome, Hartnup disease, and a number of medications such as isoniazid. Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and may be assisted by urine testing.