Politics and Pellagra: The Epidemic of Pellagra in the U.S. in the Early Twentieth Century

The 1906 to 1940 epidemic of pellagra was around 3 million cases, with 1 in 30 resulting in death. A Dr Goldberger was appointed to study the cause. Even though correctly identified the root cause as a nutritional deficiency (later to be confirmed as niacin specifically) his prognosis was rejected by politicians in affected regions since they basically didn't want to admit that a diet consisting of largely degerminated cornmeal (which was a key economic export) was not appropriate for human wellbeing. The invention of degerminating corn, which removes nutrients but prolongs shelf-life, coincided with the appearance of the disease. Goldberger would cure orphans suffering from pellagra by feeding them a more varied diet including fresh milk and meat.