Alcoholism and nutrition: a review of vitamin supplementation and treatment

In 2014, the European Food Safety Authority found no convincing evidence that chromium is an essential element [93,193]. Niacin deficiency is treatable and may include dietary changes or taking supplements. In most cases, niacin deficiency can be cured, especially when treated in the early stages. You may also be asked to provide a diet recall in which you’ll write down all the foods you have recently consumed. A healthcare provider may ask about your health history and complete a physical exam during the evaluation.

Vitamin B1 – thiamine

Although research is ongoing, there’s some evidence that milk thistle can help reduce the symptoms of cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis. If you’re working on reducing your drinking, milk thistle can be one way to protect your liver from the damaging effects of alcohol. Taking supplements can help alcoholics in experiencing withdrawal symptoms or undergoing detoxification. Some vitamins can provide significant benefits to counter some of the adverse effects of drinking.

• Alcohol-modulated zinc transporter modulation has recently been shown to be one of the causes of decreased Zn levels in the lungs, liver, intestines, and brain [89].
• Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website.
• Excessive alcohol consumption disrupts the concentrations of crucial trace elements, also increasing the risk of enhanced oxidative stress and alcohol-related liver diseases.
• It turns out that even during alcohol withdrawal, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hyponatremia are observed [15,16].

Alcohol Use Disorder: Nutrition During Recovery

• If you’ve been diagnosed with niacin deficiency, you should work with a healthcare provider to treat it properly.
• Macronutrients and trace elements are important components of living tissues that have different metabolic properties and functions.
• A U-shaped curve was also reported, in which the risk for type 2 diabetes was lower for small-volume drinkers than for nondrinkers, and the risk increased with increasing alcohol consumption [19].
• Aragam co-authored a 2022 study that also found a trend of healthy lifestyle habits among light to moderate drinkers, but concluded nonetheless that any level of alcohol consumption increased the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• They generally agreed that abstaining is healthiest, but that for most people, a modest level of drinking doesn’t carry significant risk.
• John publishes online health and fitness articles that coincide with her licensed clinical skills in addictions, psychology and medical care.

For example, it can decrease the secretion of digestive enzymes in the pancreas and impair nutrient absorption from the cells of the stomach or intestines. If someone regularly drinks more than the recommended amounts of alcohol — one drink daily for women and no more than two drinks daily for men — they may experience negative health consequences. For example, their body may become dependent on the alcohol, and their brain chemistry may change. Individuals with alcohol use disorder may experience deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin B. A doctor may recommend taking supplements to help them through the detoxification process.

• There are three stages—alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis.
• Recent clinical trials have examined the efficacy of numerous antioxidants, including S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and vitamin E.
• Vitamins, which are molecules found in small amounts in various foods, are essential for normal metabolism, and deficient vitamin levels in the body can lead to serious diseases.
• In patients who consume excessive amounts of alcohol, various types of disturbances are observed, i.e., electrolyte, acid-base, protein-caloric malnutrition, and vitamin deficiency [3,4,5].

Confirming Alcoholic Liver Disease Through Diagnosis

She often brings her own nonalcoholic beer or wine to social gatherings, Laing said, and most bartenders are happy to make a mocktail. For people who drink several times a week and do not have alcohol dependency, even slightly reducing intake can have significant health benefits, Keyes added. Ordak et al. [142] studied the effect of hyponatremia in alcohol-dependent patients on the physical and mental state of patients.

If individuals believe they have a problem with alcohol or if they drink more than the recommended amounts, they should speak with their doctor for support and advice. Therefore, long-term alcohol use leads to lower nutrient consumption and can affect how the body uses this limited supply of nutrients. As a result, many individuals who misuse alcohol may become malnourished. Taking supplements like vitamin vitamins for alcoholics C, NAC, and GABA may help replenish your nutrient stores, potentially reducing your cravings and easing your withdrawal symptoms. “Addressing deficiencies can make a huge difference when your intention is healthy weight loss,” she adds. For people trying to cut down on drinking, Laing said she recommends balancing alcohol with nonalcoholic drinks, drinking slowly and consuming a meal before drinking.

Nutritional Support When Dealing with Withdrawal

• Micronutrient supplementation, such as vitamins A, E, group B vitamins, zinc, and selenium, may have a positive effect on those patients [12].
• The development of hypomagnesemia inhibits the release and induces peripheral resistance to parathyroid hormone, leading to hypocalcemia [94].
• It is a significant burden to healthcare systems; it is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and in the US it has become the most common indication to perform a liver transplant [1].
• Vitamins can only provide some protection against oxidative stress caused by alcohol.