Pellagra is specifically linked to a deficiency in particular nutrients, so use it in medical or dietary contexts.

Nutrient Deficiency

Use 'pellagra' to describe the condition, but refer to specific symptoms when discussing signs of the disease.

Symptom Recognition

'Pellagra' is a technical medical term; use it in formal discussions about health and diet, not in casual conversation.

Technical Term

 It's caused by fast processing of toxic cassava root in famine situation. It's similar to the pellagra epidemic in Mississippi in the '30s. It's similar to other nutritional diseases. It will never affect a rich person. We have seen it here in Mozambique.

Hans Rosling: Let my...

 and persisted despite the church's efforts to eliminate pagan beliefs. Stories of vampires originated from misinterpretations of diseases, such as rabies, and pellagra, and decomposition.