A disease caused by a deficient diet or failure of the body to absorb niacin (one of the B complex vitamins ) or an amino acid ( tryptophan ). Common in certain parts of the world (in people consuming large quantities of corn), the disease is characterized by scaly skin sores, diarrhea , mucosal changes, and mental symptoms (especially a schizophrenia-like dementia ). It may develop after gastrointestinal diseases or alcoholism .

Alternative Names

Vitamin deficiency - niacin; Deficiency - niacin