Question

Which one of the following is incapable of curing pellagra?
A. Niacin
B. Nicotine
C. Nicotinamide
D. Tryptophan

Answer 1

Pellagra is a condition caused by a vitamin B3 deficiency. Symptoms of pellagra include inflamed skin, diarrhoea, dementia, mouth sores etc. The affected skin may become darker, peel or bleed over time. Areas of the skin exposed to sunlight or friction are typically affected first by pellagra. Types of pellagra- primary and secondary.

Complete answer:
Option A Niacin: Niacin is another name for vitamin B3. Pellagra is usually treated with Vitamin B complex tablets, Vitamin B3 enriched foods and supplements to increase the efficiency of Vitamin B3 absorption. This option is wrong.
Option A is incorrect
Option B Nicotine: It is medicine used to quit smoking by reducing the craving for cigarettes. It works by mimicking the effect of cigarettes by binding to the nicotine receptors in the brain. Nicotine is not used to cure pellagra.
Option B is correct
Option C Nicotine: Nicotinamide is another form of vitamin $B3$. It has the same function as niacin and is similar in chemical structure with lower toxicity. It can be administered intravenously to cure pellagra.
Option C is incorrect.
Option D Tryptophan: Tryptophan is the precursor of nicotinic acid. Nicotinic acid can form nicotinamide which is used to treat pellagra. Hence, administration of tryptophan for seven days is a promising treatment for pellagra.
Option D is incorrect.

Therefore, option B. Nicotine is the correct answer.

Note:
Certain steps to prevent pellagra include eating foods rich in tryptophan like meat, seafood and green vegetables, including a diet that is rich in niacin such as eggs, cereal grains, fish, milk and yeast, avoiding intake of alcohol, getting daily dose of sun etc. Secondary pellagra is easier to treat than primary pellagra. Primary pellagra causes death after four or five years if left untreated.