Final answer:
Deficiencies of Vitamin B3 (niacin) and Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) can be seen in people who consume a low-protein, corn-based diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Low-protein, corn-based diets can result in deficiencies of certain vitamins. One of these vitamins is niacin, also known as Vitamin B3. Niacin deficiency can lead to a condition called pellagra, which is characterized by symptoms such as skin rashes, diarrhea, and mental confusion. Another vitamin that can be deficient in low-protein, corn-based diets is riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2. Riboflavin deficiency can cause symptoms such as cracked lips, sore throat, and inflamed tongue.
Deficiency of niacin and thiamine (Vitamin B1) is commonly seen in people who consume a low-protein, corn-based diet. This is due to corn's deficiency in lysine and tryptophan, which leads to a lack of essential micronutrients if not complemented with other food sources.
People who consume a low-protein, corn-based diet often suffer from deficiencies in essential amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan. This can lead to a lack of certain micronutrients and the development of deficiency diseases. While Vitamin B6 deficiency is rare, a more common problem on such a diet is niacin deficiency (pellagra), which has been historically associated with diets heavily reliant on corn.
In East Asia, historical evidence suggests that a lack of thiamine (Vitamin B1) due to a diet of polished white rice led to beriberi. It was later understood that certain vitamins and accessory factors were essential for preventing diseases like beriberi and pellagra. Consuming a diet that combines different food sources like rice and beans can provide all essential amino acids and help prevent these deficiencies.
Overall, it's important to maintain a balanced diet with a variety of protein sources to ensure an adequate intake of all essential amino acids and prevent nutritional deficiencies.