Pellagra

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What is Pellagra?

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Pellagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3) and is characterized by symptoms such as dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

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What are the main symptoms of Pellagra?

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The main symptoms of Pellagra are the three D's: Dermatitis (skin rash), Diarrhea (digestive issues), and Dementia (mental confusion).

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Who was Dr. Goldberger?

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Dr. Joseph Goldberger was a physician who studied Pellagra and discovered that it was caused by a lack of proper nutrition, particularly niacin.

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What did Dr. Goldberger observe about people with Pellagra?

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He observed that Pellagra was common among people with poor diets, particularly those who relied heavily on corn.

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What was the initial theory about the cause of Pellagra?

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The initial theory was that Pellagra was caused by a germ or bacteria.

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How did Dr. Goldberger disprove the germ theory of Pellagra?

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He noted that healthcare workers like nurses and doctors did not get Pellagra, suggesting it was not contagious.

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What dietary deficiency causes Pellagra?

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Pellagra is primarily caused by a deficiency in niacin (vitamin B3) and can also be linked to a lack of protein.

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What role does corn play in Pellagra?

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Corn, when not properly processed, lacks niacin and can contribute to Pellagra if it is a staple in the diet without other sources of nutrients.

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What was one of Dr. Goldberger's experiments?

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One of his experiments involved feeding orphans a diet lacking in nutrients to observe the effects of Pellagra.

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What is the significance of a nutritious diet in preventing Pellagra?

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A nutritious diet that includes sufficient niacin and protein is essential to prevent Pellagra.