Vitamins and Minerals, Honestly

Niacin Deficiency Symptoms: Pellagra Signs and Who Is at Risk (Video)

1:41 min

Read the full written guide: Niacin Deficiency Symptoms: Pellagra Signs and Who Is at Risk →

Learn how to spot the classic signs of niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency and understand who’s most at risk. This quick guide breaks down the symptoms, why they happen, and what to do before you see a doctor. We also share a single, actionable tip that can help you decide when a doctor visit is essential. Remember, this isn’t medical advice, always consult a professional for persistent concerns.

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Transcript

Sun-exposed sore, diarrhea, confusion? What does it mean?

Sun-exposed sore, diarrhea, confusion? What does it mean?

Pellagra Quick Guide

Learn the key signs of niacin shortage and the one tip that can save you a doctor visit.

What is Pellagra?

Niacin, also called vitamin B3, is essential for energy and skin health. When you don’t get enough, either from diet low in niacin or tryptophan, or because your gut can’t absorb it, the body can develop pellagra.

Classic Symptoms

The classic trio of pellagra shows up as skin lesions where the sun hits, persistent diarrhea or loss of appetite, and mental fog or weakness. Those signs can look like a bad sunburn, a stomach bug, or stress, so they’re easy to miss.

Who’s at Risk

People most likely to run low on niacin include those with limited food access, heavy alcohol use, chronic gut disorders, and anyone who’s had weight-loss surgery or suffers from anorexia. Certain medicines and a diet heavy in untreated corn can also trigger the shortage.

Before You Go

Before you head to a clinician, snap a daylight photo of any sore and write the date on a note. Keep a simple log of loose stools, appetite, sleep and any changes in thinking. Bring the photos and notes to your appointment.

When to Seek Help

If a sun-exposed sore shows up with diarrhea, poor appetite, weakness, or any mental change, schedule a doctor visit within the same week. Get emergency care right away if confusion or weakness comes on quickly, especially for pregnant people, heavy drinkers, or those with gut disease.

The one tip

If you notice a sore on sun-exposed skin together with diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, or any shift in thinking, call a doctor that week. That combination is a red flag that needs professional evaluation, not a DIY fix.

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Read the full guide

The full guide is on thecareonline.com. General information only, so check with your doctor for your own case.

Nothing on The Care Online is medical advice. Traditional practices are described as tradition, not as fact. Take a persistent or serious concern to a qualified professional. See how videos and posts are made on our methodology page.