Alcoholism And Supplements

Alcoholism is a syndrome consisting of two phases: problem drinking and alcohol addiction. The repetitive use of alcohol to alleviate anxiety or solve other emotional problems can lead to a true addiction similar to what occurs with repeated heroin use, according to "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, 2010." Chronic alcoholism can result in nutritional deficiencies, including protein-energy malnutrition, which is characterized by a deficiency of either protein or total calories. However, alcoholics more frequently suffer deficiencies of several vitamins, especially thiamine, pyridoxine, folate and vitamin A.

Pyridoxine

Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B-6, is an essential vitamin found in plant and animal foods. Sources include fish, chicken, banana and spinach. Deficiencies are rare, but because of inadequacies in the diet and impaired metabolism, alcoholics may fail to achieve the recommended amount of 1.3 to 1.7 micrograms per day. This may give rise to seizures and other neurological symptoms, notably depression, irritability and confusion.

Folate

Folate is an essential water-soluble vitamin active in the metabolism of amino acids and DNA. Alcoholics may be deficient in folate, due to low dietary intake and the inability to absorb folate. Sources of folate include spinach and artichoke. Supplements of folic acid are available as a single ingredient or as part of B-complex vitamins or multivitamins. Adults should get 400 micrograms of supplementary folic acid in addition to what is obtained in the diet. The Linus Pauling Institute recommends not exceeding 1,000 micrograms per day.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin instrumental in vision, immunity and the production of red blood cells. It is also a major antioxidant. Deficiencies in alcoholics are characterized by symptoms that include dry eyes and night blindness. Chronic alcoholism can deplete the body's stores of vitamin A and may contribute to liver damage. However, supplementation with vitamin A can be toxic to the alcoholic's liver and should not be used unless under medical supervision.

Thiamin

Thiamin is an essential B-vitamin. Deficiency can occur in chronic alcoholics, primarily due to inadequate intake. If untreated, thiamin deficiency may result in a type of irreversible brain damage known as Korsakoff psychosis. Because there is no risk of toxic effects of excessive thiamine, alcoholics may benefit from supplementation in addition to thiamin naturally occurring in foods. Sources include legumes and whole grains. The recommended intake is 1.2 mg/day for adult males, and 1.1 mg/day for females.