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Pellagra

What is Pellagra?

Pellagra is a condition caused by a deficiency of the B vitamin niacin.


“If all the niacin were removed from our food, everyone would be psychotic in one year”
~Abram Hoffer, M.D., psychiatrist in British Columbia.


B vitamins are required for: proper metabolism, enzyme and hormone production, and for B vitamin processing

Niacin is among the B2 class of vitamins also called: Nicotinic acid, niacinimide (nicotinic acid amide, or nicotinamide) Nicotinic acid is an electron-transfer vitamin, acting as an energizer to make enzymes needed for oxidation-reduction reactions, carbohydrate metabolism, other energy conversion, and tryptophan metabolism, and conversion to niacin.


Primary Symptoms of Pellagra are DDD or 3D’s
Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia


General Symptoms Include:
Deep Depression
Aches & Pain
Fatigue, Lack of Energy
Dementia (Pseudo-schizophrenia)
Hallucinations
Visual and Audible Mental impairment
Paranoia
Godhead
Suicidal
Personality disorders

Inability to make decisions
Lack of normal desires
Dullness
Rage, hostility
Dermatitis (skin)
Hard
Dry
Scaly
Brown pigmentation
Redness
Swelling



Other Symptoms: Abdominal pains, headache, irritability, sleeplessness, Red, furry tongue, mentally “not-being-with-it”, degeneration.


Despair

Niacin Is the Natural Tranquilizer

Niacin is a natural tranquilizer so soothing that its effects compare to that of certain pharmaceutical tranquilizers.


Causes of B and vitamin deficiency

Stress
Stress depletes B vitamins and other nutrients more rapidly than normal

Processed foods
46% of niacin is depleted from canning foods.

High Protein Diet

Protein consumption increases need for larger quantities of niacin

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption strips B vitamins and other nutrients from the body



Sources of Niacin

Small quantities are accumulated from: Dairy, Eggs, Lean Beef, Liver, Whole Grain Cereals (especially enriched), Yeast, Fish, Tuna, Salmon, Beans, Squash, Chili Peppers, Peanuts



Research

3 year study
73 hospitalized schizophrenics were given niacin
66 were never readmitted with symptoms
98 were not taking niacin (control group)
47 were readmitted with symptoms
Finding: Use of supplements prevented pellagra symptoms
Conclusion: Pellagra is not schizophrenia
1 month result
11 depressed patients received tryptophan and niacin supplements
Findings:
Blood levels of tryptophan rose 300%
Depression fell 38%
Conclusion: niacin aids in tryptophan conversion


Cure

Pellagra can be cured with tryptophan and niacin. Tryptophan converts to niacin by a system of intricate biochemical steps. (at 60:1 part ratio)


According to Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. Swiss manufacturer of Valium; Niacinamide can induce “anti-conflict” and “anti-aggressive” feelings that it relaxes muscles and helps relieve insomnia.


Continued Therapy

“While most people feel better within days of beginning a niacin regimen, some require months to feel the benefits. It is especially important to give this vitamin a lengthy therapeutic trial because its potential benefits are so great.”
~H.L. Newbold M.D. Author of Mega-Nutrients for Your Nerves


Reference:
“Vitamins in Your Life” Erwin Di Cyan, Ph.D. Simon and Schuster New York 1974
“Understanding Vitamins and Minerals” The Prevention Total Health System® Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania 1984