Living with Pellagra

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Living with pellagra

There are a number of strategies which are recommended to help deal with pellagra:

Eat foods rich in tryptophan - there are a number of foods rich in tryptophan which should be included in the diet: freshly cooked turkey, bananas, beef, cottage cheese, lentils, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, soy beans
Eat foods rich in vitamin B3 (niacin) - there are a number of foods rich in vitamin B3 (niacin) which should be included in the diet: almonds, beef, chicken, legumes, mackerel, peanuts, salmon, sardines, sunflower seeds

Regular blood tests - you need to have your blood levels of vitamin B3 (niacin) monitored to ensure that you do not become more deficient and develop further symptoms of pellagra after supplementation (or intravenous injection)
Take vitamin B3 (niacin) supplements - your doctor will recommend supplements to boost your body's levels of vitamin B3 (niacin) and decrease risk of deficiency
Vitamin B3 (niacin) intravenously - your doctor may also give you a vitamin B3 (niacin) injection if you have a certain medical condition or are taking certain medications long term that warrant treatment in this way

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Last reviewed: 18 February 2009 || Last updated: 24 February 2010

Tryptophan (amino acids)
Vitamin B3 (vitamins)
Vitamin B6 (vitamins)

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.

Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

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