MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries
Ep. 32 | Scourge of the South
May 14, 2024
A doctor in the early 1900s investigates the cause of the deadly disease palagra in the American South. Dr. Goldberger conducts risky experiments to uncover the link between diet and the disease, ultimately discovering a key dietary deficiency prevalent in poor households. His findings shed light on a historical medical mystery and the importance of nutrition for health.
31:23
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Quick takeaways
- Pellegra epidemic in the American South traced back to niacin deficiency.
- Dr. Goldberger's risky experiment revealed the contagious nature of Pellegra.
Deep dives
Dr. Goldberger Investigates Pellegra Outbreaks
Dr. Goldberger was tasked with investigating the spread of Pellegra, a dangerous skin disease, in the American South. He uncovered an epidemic affecting over 100,000 people, theorizing that it was transmitted by a type of black fly. Despite the risk of contracting the disease himself, Dr. Goldberger embarked on a mission to understand why Pellegra was rampant in certain group settings like mental asylums and orphanages.
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