Alcoholics suffer from a treatable, chronic disease in which their bodies are dependent on alcohol. Excessive alcohol intake inflames the lining of the stomach and, according to the Mayo Clinic, can interfere with vitamin absorption. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to serious problems and should be supplemented in alcoholics to prevent short-term and long-term complications. Individuals should also seek professional treatment to support recovery from alcoholism.
Thiamin (B1)
Alcoholics are at risk for vitamin B deficiencies because of malabsorption and a poor diet. Thiamin is one of many vitamin B deficiencies that alcoholics often experience because high intake of alcohol prevents thiamin from being broken down and properly utilized. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), thiamin deficiency can lead to brain damage and the brain disorder Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a condition that affects memory, muscle coordination, vision and cognition. Taking 50 mg of thiamin a day may prevent and reverse existing damage to a certain extent.
Folic Acid (B6)
Folic acid helps the body produce new cells. A folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can lead to birth defects related to brain and spine development. Adults deficient in folic acid may experience anemia, difficulty breathing, dizziness, weight loss, depression, loss of sensation in hands and feet, depression and dementia. The NIAAA advocates that alcoholics take a standard multivitamin to get the daily recommended amount of folic acid.
Riboflavin (B2)
Riboflavin is a B vitamin necessary for growth, normal cell function and energy production. According to the University of Michigan Health Center (UMHC), riboflavin may be supplemented with other B vitamins in a B-complex vitamin.
Niacin (B3)
According to the UMHC, niacin along with other B vitamins may reduce alcoholic cravings and help people overcome alcoholism. Dr. John Cleary studied the treatment of alcoholism and recommended 500 mg of niacin per day for alcoholics in his paper published in 1987 in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects cells from being damaged, promotes healing and supports iron absorption. Vitamin C deficiency can result in scurvy, a rare condition that causes weakness, anemia, gum disease and bruising. According to a study published in 1986 in "Alcohol and Alcoholism," alcohol increases vitamin C excretion in the urine which can lead to vitamin C deficiency. Federal guidelines recommend 75 to 90 mg of vitamin C a day. However, up to 2,000 mg can be taken without being toxic.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a role in vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell function and immunity. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a weak immune system, night blindness and a skin rash. Some alcoholics are deficient in vitamin A, but supplementation is tricky because vitamin A in combination with alcohol can be toxic and damage the liver. The NIAAA recommends that alcoholics only take vitamin A if there is a known deficiency, and should supplement in conjunction with reducing or stopping alcohol consumption.
References
- "Alcohol and Alcoholism"; Alcohol Increases Vitamin C Excretion in the Urine; R. Faizallah, et al; 1986
- "Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine; Etiology and Biological Treatment of Alcohol Addiction"; J. Cleary; 1987
- Mayo Clinic: Alcoholism
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcoholic Liver Disease
- University of Michigan Health Center: Alcohol Withdrawal
