Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Niacin deficiency is a consequence of a diet low in both niacin and the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor for the vitamin. Low plasma tryptophan is a non-specific indicator, meaning it can have other causes. The signs and symptoms of niacin deficiency start to revert within days of oral supplementation with large amounts of the vitamin. [23] [24]
Independently of clinical symptoms, blood level of tryptophan or urinary metabolites such as 2-pyridone/N-methylnicotinamide ratio <2 or NAD/NADP ratio in red blood cells can diagnose pellagra. The diagnosis is confirmed by rapid improvements in symptoms after doses of nicotinamide (250–500 mg/day) or nicotinamide enriched food. [7]
Hartnup disease (also known as "pellagra-like dermatosis" [1] and "Hartnup disorder" [2]) is an autosomal recessive [3] metabolic disorder affecting the absorption of nonpolar amino acids (particularly tryptophan that can be, in turn, converted into serotonin, melatonin, and niacin).
Liver disease or kidney disease: Niacin can accumulate in people with liver or kidney problems, potentially worsening their condition. [ 1 ] Bleeding disorders : Inositol nicotinate may slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding for individuals with clotting disorders or those undergoing surgery.
Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical suspicion and a low zinc level in the blood. Any level below 70 mcg/dL (normal 70-120 mcg/dL) is considered zinc deficiency. However there is a paucity of adequate zinc biomarkers , and the most widely used indicator, plasma zinc, has poor sensitivity and specificity . [ 53 ]
In all cases – dietary, genetic, or otherwise – supplementation with biotin is the primary (and usually only) [3] method of treatment. [ 1 ] [ 4 ] The prognosis for congenital MCD is good if biotin supplementation is begun quickly after birth and carried on throughout the patients life.
Copper deficiency, or hypocupremia, is defined as insufficient copper to meet the body's needs, or as a serum copper level below the normal range. [1] Symptoms may include fatigue, decreased red blood cells, early greying of the hair, and neurological problems presenting as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and ataxia. [2]
Folate deficiency, also known as vitamin B 9 deficiency, is a low level of folate and derivatives in the body. [1] This may result in megaloblastic anemia in which red blood cells become abnormally large, and folate deficiency anemia is the term given for this medical condition. [3] Signs of folate deficiency are often subtle. [4]