A patient consulted a doctor about symmetric dermatitis of open skin areas. It was found out that the patient lived mostly on cereals and ate too little meat, milk and eggs. What vitamin deficiency is the most evident?

Answer options

1. Folic acid
2. Tocopherol
3. Nicotinamide
4. Calciferol
5. Biotin

Explanation

Nicotinamide (NAM), also known as niacinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 found in food and used as a dietary supplement and medication. As a supplement, it is used by mouth to prevent and treat pellagra (niacin deficiency). Nicotinamide is the preferred treatment for niacin deficiency (pellagra). A patient's diagnosis of pellagra is based on their history, as well as the presence of dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. While nicotinic acid (niacin) may be used, nicotinamide has the benefit of not causing skin flushing.