Pellagra, Part 1
Stuff You Missed in History Class
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Pellagra: A Tale of Two Nations
This chapter explores the complex relationship between 19th-century Italian immigration and the dietary shifts in the U.S. that contributed to the rise of pellagra. It examines the historical context, nutritional factors, and public health implications surrounding this often-overlooked disease.
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The pellagra epidemic of the early 20th century may have been the deadliest epidemic of a specific nutrient deficiency in U.S. history. Part one covers what it is, its appearance in 19th-century Italy, and the first reports of it in the U.S.
Research:
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