Glossary

Pellagra – this is a disease resulting from niacin deficiency with symptoms of dementia, dermatitis and diarrhea.

Hemoglobin – it is a complex protein-iron compound in the blood that carries oxygen to the cells and carbon dioxide to the lungs.

Intrinsic Factor – a substance produced in the small intestine that is needed for the absorption of Cobalamin.

Pernicious anemia – a form of anemia that affects older patients that results from the lack of intrinsic factor needed for the processing of cobalamin.

Collagen – a protein consisting of bundles of tiny fibers which forms connective tissues.

Scurvy – a disease cause by Vitamin C deficiency which manifests as weakness, anemia, spongy gums, loosening of the teeth, bleeding in the mucous membranes and hard bumps of the muscles.