This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Nutrition and health, Subject name: Social & Preventive Medicine
Niacin deficiency in a maize-eating population is due to - 
Select and explain. 
A. High Trytophan, B. High Isoleucine, C. High leucine, D. High Phenylalanine
C: High leucine
Answer: C: High leucine 
Explanation: - niacin deficiency results in pellagra. The disease is characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis and dementia. - niacin deficiency is common in maize eating population due to aminoacid imbalance cause by an excess of leucine. - excess of leucine appears to interfere in the conversion of tryptophan to niacin. Reference: Park's textbook of preventive and social medicine, 23rd edition, pg no:619 <\p>