Which statement is correct with respect to Pellagra?

Correct option is B

Ans. (b) Occurs with diet chiefly on maize
Sol.
Pellagra is a niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency disease. It is typically caused by a diet primarily consisting of maize (corn), which is low in niacin and tryptophan, an amino acid that the body can convert into niacin.
Explanation of Each Option:
· (a) It occurs due to pyridoxine deficiency – Incorrect ❌
· Pellagra is specifically caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3), not pyridoxine (vitamin B6).
· (b) Occurs with diet chiefly on maize – Correct ✅
· Pellagra is often seen in populations whose diet consists largely of maize (corn), which is poor in niacin. When maize is not processed properly (like in the traditional method of nixtamalization), its niacin content is not fully available for absorption, leading to a deficiency.
· (c) Night blindness is important feature – Incorrect ❌
· Night blindness is a symptom of vitamin A deficiency, not pellagra. Pellagra is characterized by the three D's: dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.
· (d) Causes high risk of heart attack – Incorrect ❌
· Pellagra does not directly cause a high risk of heart attack. Its symptoms are related to skin, gastrointestinal, and neurological issues due to niacin deficiency, but not specifically heart disease.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is (b) Occurs with diet chiefly on maize, as Pellagra is most commonly caused by a diet deficient in niacin, often due to a diet rich in maize.