This deficiency can lead to vision trouble, particularly when driving at night. Liver damage, which is already an issue with significant alcohol consumption, becomes even more serious if you are not getting enough of these vitamins. Other supplements commonly recommended to combat the effects of alcohol abuse include best vitamins for recovering alcoholics vitamin D, niacin, and vitamin C. B vitamins (e.g. vitamin B6, vitamin B12), as well as folic acid (B9), folate, and vitamin A, are commonly deficient in those with chronic alcohol use disorder. Total caloric intake should be at least 1.2 to 1.4 times the resting energy expenditure, generally 30 kcal/kg or more [53].
- While vitamins alone cannot treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome, B vitamins, especially thiamine (B1), may be administered as part of medical treatment to address nutritional deficiencies.
- Alcohol consumption can lead to obesity, especially when accompanied by excessive fatty food intake and lack of exercise [14].
- Consult your doctor about drinking and any medications or supplements you are currently taking.
- Whole grains, milk, eggs, and liver are perhaps the best food sources for B5, or Pantothenic Acid.
- Drinking large amounts of alcohol can also release some toxic compounds in the body, such as acetaldehyde.
Alcohol use disorder can mean an individual experiences vitamin deficiencies, as alcohol can affect how the body absorbs and uses vitamins and nutrients. 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 is an essential water-soluble nutrient that the body needs for many biological processes such as, enzyme reactions, hormone synthesis, and tissue structure. However, some doctors dispute the use of vitamin C supplements and no official guidelines exist for treatment during alcohol withdrawal.
Conditions
Drinking alcohol increases this water solubility even more, causing our bodies to get rid of the vitamins at a quicker rate. This is why it is important to eat foods https://ecosoberhouse.com/ rich in these vitamins after drinking more than usual. B-vitamins have several variations that are all important for our bodies to function in a healthy way.
Read on to learn more about alcohol withdrawal syndrome, including the signs, symptoms, and detoxification process. Alcohol addiction treatment begins with detox for alcohol withdrawal. An inpatient or outpatient rehab program may then offer behavioral therapy, counseling, medication, and other treatments.
B VITAMIN DEFICIENCY AND NEUROPSYCHIATRIC SYNDROMES IN ALCOHOL MISUSE
Most importantly, the treatment saves brain function and can help to stave off the even more serious Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which permanently damages the brain. Supplementing with specific vitamins and minerals like thiamine, vitamin C, and magnesium can support your liver’s recovery and restore essential nutrients that AUD has depleted. Alcohol affects nutrient absorption by damaging the stomach lining and intestines’ cells, disrupting nutrient transport2. Excessive drinking can cause malabsorption, causing further vitamin deficiencies. However, people who misuse alcohol may eat less food and commonly have deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, selenium, protein, and certain vitamins.
- Vital nutrients infuse your body with the resources it needs to function properly.
- Long-term oral intake of a BCAA mixture is superior to a standard diet for improving serum albumin levels and energy metabolism [27].
- If you tend to drink large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis, however, this fatigue might become a chronic part of your life.
- People with alcohol use disorder are more likely to have a less nutritious diet, which exacerbates vitamin deficiencies.
- It’s important to note that withdrawing from alcohol can be particularly dangerous, especially if you’ve been drinking heavily for a long period of time.
- Previous posts commented on evidence for natural supplements, weak electrical current, and mindfulness for reducing drug and alcohol use and treating symptoms of withdrawal.