In addition to vitamin A and vitamin C deficiencies, alcoholism can also contribute to the development of specific conditions. Pellagra is a condition caused by a deficiency in vitamin B3 (niacin) and can result in symptoms such as skin rashes, digestive issues, and neurological problems. Wernicke’s encephalopathy, characterized by confusion, ataxia, and eye movement abnormalities, can occur due to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Beriberi, caused by a lack of thiamine, can lead to cardiovascular and neurological symptoms.
Q: What are the important vitamins for alcoholics?
- Fish oil substitution increased plasma adiponectin concentrations and promoted fatty acid oxidation in the liver.
- Canola, olive, safflower, sesame, and sunflower oils are good sources of healthy fats.
- One of them is chronic alcohol consumption, which often leads people to poor nourishment.
- Intravenous nutrition is considered the last choice because of the possibility of an infection.
- To stay in recovery and live a healthier, happier life, you need to try other things.
However, there is still mixed evidence on the effect of dietary nutrients on the severity of chronic alcohol intake. Therefore, new studies are required to elucidate cellular and molecular pathways involved, the mechanisms of action, and the histopathological changes produced after vitamin supplementation. Thiamine and other B vitamins should be administered during nutritional supplementation. Supplementation with trace elements, including zinc, should also be considered. When anemia is observed, supplementation with iron and folic acid should also be considered. Deficiencies in vitamins and trace elements commonly found in ALD often cause irreversible damage and should always be considered in ALD treatment.
Nutritional Support for Alcoholic Liver Disease
However, to date, vitamin C supplementation has only been proven to ameliorate ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in mice,29 not humans, while RCTs, as stated above,6–8 have not looked into the at-risk subpopulation of chronic alcoholic use. This is manifested in the present-day guidelines on alcohol withdrawal https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/sobriety-sucks-you-will-definitely-feel-better/ which provide scant instruction on vitamin C supplementation regimen or route (table 2). Approximately 30% of alcohol consumed is absorbed into the body through the stomach while the remaining 70% is absorbed through the jejunum, and more than 90% is transported to the liver via the portal vein.
How Doctors and Nutritionists Can Help
They can also evaluate the person’s drinking patterns and overall health and work together to craft a treatment plan. The body requires good nutrition to increase energy levels and maintain bodily processes. Vitamins are essential for aiding the liver after alcohol misuse by helping with detoxification, regeneration, and metabolism. Most brands create a multivitamin that is tailored to the DV for men, women, children, and pregnant women. You should find a multivitamin that meets the DV recommended for your group.
- B vitamins, including B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, and folic acid, play a crucial role in energy production, nervous system function, and brain health.
- This condition can often be remedied simply by eating iron-rich foods.
- A range of genetic, behavioral, and environmental variables contribute to alcoholism [2].
What a Person With Alcohol Use Disorder Needs
Limited information is available about whether selenium is helpful in those who struggle with alcohol or during alcohol withdrawal. However, because it supports the immune system and alcohol suppresses it, some people may take supplements multivitamin for alcoholics with selenium for its immune-boosting properties. Several research articles have linked alcohol-mediated oxidative stress and ethanol-inducible CYP2E1 with oxidative stress and their toxicity, both in in vitro and in vivo models.
In addition to dietary issues, alcohol affects how the body digests, stores, and uses nutrients. 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. Vitamin C helps to keep the skin healthy, and plays an equally important role in the health of bones, teeth and blood vessels. Deficiencies in vitamin C can cause symptoms that include irritability, weakness and muscle fatigue.
- Aperson with alcohol use disorder may be deficient in vitamins A, C, E, K and the B vitamins, as well as the minerals calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
- One option is high doses of oral vitamin B supplementation, which can help correct deficiencies without causing adverse effects.
- In this article, we review the nutritional therapies that health care providers should be aware of when treating patients with ALD.
- The vitamin B complex in general, and particularly vitamins B1 (thiamin), B3 (niacin) and B5 (Pantothenic Acid), play a role in turning sugars into energy.
- In addition, magnesium may help treat depression, fatigue and stomach upset, which are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
- It is well known for its role in immune response control as well as its anticancer activities [76,77].