Chronic alcoholic patients are frequently deficient in one or more vitamins. The deficiencies commonly involve folate, vitamin B6, thiamine, and vitamin A.
Deficiencies of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc are common in alcoholics, although alcohol itself does not seem to affect the absorption of these minerals (15).
Up to 80% of people with an addiction to alcohol develop thiamine deficiency. Heavy alcohol use causes inflammation of the stomach lining and digestive tract, which reduces the body's ability to absorb vitamins.
Chronic alcohol abuse is associated with several neurological disorders, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). Deficiency of thiamine—a vitamin essential for the metabolism and function of brain cells—is thought to be one factor contributing to the cognitive deficits and brain pathology characteristic of WKS.
Axis I disorders commonly associated with alcoholism include bipolar disorder, certain anxiety disorders (e.g., social phobia, panic disorder, and post–traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]), schizophrenia, and major depression (Helzer and Przybeck 1988; Kessler et al. 1997).
Vitamin B protects the liver from damage as a result of excess alcohol consumption and can help stabilise mood swings and cognitive function. Evidence suggests[21] that strong Vitamin B compound should be prescribed to alcoholics where: There is clear evidence of deficiency, poor diet or absorption; or.
Cobalamin, or vitamin B12, is a critical part of a safe and effective alcohol withdrawal regimen. Cobalamin is a coenzyme molecule important in the many biochemical reactions required for the production of DNA, RNA, neurotransmitters, neuron cell myelin, and cell division.
Include 250mg Vitamin C, 150mg magnesium, 1500mg calcium and 500 mg niacin from dietary sources each day. A good multivitamin/mineral supplement (like Centrum) is also recommended. Omega 3 fatty acids can help to minimize symptoms.
One of the most common and serous types of alcohol-related vitamin deficiency is lack of B vitamins like Thiamine, which is an essential vitamin for neurobiological health. Other types of vitamins that are often depleted through excessive alcohol consumption include, but are not limited to: Vitamin C. Magnesium.
Alcoholics have been found to have deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Research shows that drinking alcohol itself does not limit the absorption of minerals, but alcohol-related problems do.
Generally, people drink to either increase positive emotions or decrease negative ones. This results in all drinking motives falling into one of four categories: enhancement (because it's exciting), coping (to forget about my worries), social (to celebrate), and conformity (to fit in).
They include fatigue, irritability, poor memory, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss. Eventually, a severe thiamin deficiency (beriberi) may develop, characterized by nerve, heart, and brain abnormalities.
This is why it's so important to replenish the level of water in your system. Water is one of the best natural pain relievers out there, particularly after a night of alcohol consumption, so keep a bottle or glass of water handy at your desk and drink regularly throughout the day to replenish your body.
Alcohol intake leads to various electrolyte and mineral disturbances, and one of the most common disturbances is hypomagnesemia (Elisaf et al., 1995). With heavy alcohol intake, there can be a loss of magnesium from tissues and increased urinary loss (Pasqualetti et al., 1987; Shane and Flink, 1991).
Folic acid ameliorates alcohol-induced liver injury via gut–liver axis (GLA) homeostasis, mainly including the improvement of the intestinal barrier, regulation of gut microbiota, and inhibition of liver inflammation.
The decreased concentration of serum folic acid may occur in 80% of alcoholics. The cause of elevated concentrations of homocysteine in the serum of alcohol abusers is also a deficiency of vitamins involved such as vitamin B12 and pyridoxal phosphate.
Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
Hydration and supplementation with B vitamins can be helpful if a person chooses to withdrawal at home. Kudzu, L-gluatmine and milk thistle may help curb alcohol cravings and detoxify the liver. Prescription medications to help someone stop drinking are Topiramate, Naltrexone, Acamprosate and Antabuse.
Key Facts. Folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 are all involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease through their regulation of hepatic methionine metabolism.
Other Common Alcoholic Personality Traits
Others will be irritable, anxious, and aggressive both when they drink and when they go through alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol dependence can also make a person impatient and easily aggravated. Additionally, you might notice impulsiveness or other erratic traits.
Since alcohol can reduce REM sleep and cause sleep disruptions, people who drink before bed often experience insomnia symptoms and feel excessively sleepy.