Question:

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Niacin can be synthesized from the essential amino acid called Leucine.
Statement II: Deficiency of niacin is seen in endemic form in some parts of India where jowar was used as staple.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

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Pellagra is characterized by the "three Ds": Dermatitis (especially in sun-exposed areas, forming Casal's necklace), Diarrhea, and Dementia.
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
  • Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
  • Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Niacin (Vitamin \(\text{B}_3\)) is an essential micronutrient that can also be synthesized endogenously in the body from a specific precursor amino acid.
Nutritional deficiencies of niacin lead to pellagra, a condition historically associated with specific cereal-based diets.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us evaluate the accuracy of both statements:
Statement I: The human liver can synthesize niacin endogenously from the essential amino acid Tryptophan (not Leucine).
The conversion ratio is approximately 60 mg of dietary tryptophan to 1 mg of niacin.
Therefore, Statement I is incorrect.
Statement II: Pellagra has historically been endemic in parts of India where jowar (sorghum) is the staple food.
While jowar contains moderate levels of tryptophan, it has a high concentration of the amino acid leucine.
High dietary leucine inhibits quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT), a key rate-limiting enzyme in the pathway that converts tryptophan to niacin.
This enzymatic inhibition reduces endogenous niacin synthesis, leading to pellagra even when dietary tryptophan intake appears adequate.
Therefore, Statement II is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.
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