Alcoholism is a chronic disease that can improve with treatment. One of the side effects of alcoholism is malabsorption of vitamins, which occurs due to inflammation of the stomach lining, according to the Mayo Clinic. Vitamin deficiencies can cause serious problems, so in addition to seeking treatment for alcoholism alcoholics should take vitamin supplements to support their general health.
Thiamin (B1)
A poor diet and the inability to properly absorb vitamins puts alcoholics at risk for many B vitamin deficiencies. Thiamin (B1) proves a common deficiency associated with alcoholism because excessive alcohol intake prevents it from breaking down so that the body can use it. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says thiamin deficiency can lead to brain damage and wernicke-korsakoff syndrome, a brain disorder that affects memory, coordination, vision and cognition. 50 mg of thiamin a day may prevent a deficiency and reverse existing brain damage.
Folic Acid (B6)
The body uses folic acid (B6) to produce new cells and proves especially essential during pregnancy to ensure normal development of the fetus. Adults who don’t get enough folic acid may experience anemia, breathing problems, dizziness, weight loss, depression, desensitization in hands and feet and dementia. The NIAAA recommends taking a multivitamin to supplement folic acid.
Riboflavin (B2)
The B vitamin Riboflavin (B2) assists in growth, normal cell function and energy production. The University of Michigan Health Center (UMHC) recommends supplementing riboflavin in a B-complex vitamin, which combines many B vitamins.
Niacin (B3)
The UMHC says taking niacin (B3) and other B vitamins may help treat alcoholism by reducing cravings. A paper published in 1987 in the “Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine” recommended that alcoholics take 500 mg of niacin on a daily basis.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents cell damage, promotes healing and supports iron absorption. A deficiency can lead to scurvy, a condition that causes weakness, anemia, gum disease and hemorrhaging. According to one study published in 1986 in “Alcohol and Alcoholism,” a vitamin C deficiency can occur in alcoholism because alcohol increases the amount of vitamin C excreted in the urine. The daily recommended amount of vitamin C for most adults is 75 to 90 mg however up to 2000 mg can be consumed without being toxic.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays a role in vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell function and immunity. A deficiency can weaken the immune system and cause night blindness or rash. Supplementing vitamin A in alcoholism can prove dangerous because the combination of vitamin A and alcohol can become toxic and damage the liver. The NIAAA recommends that vitamin A be supplemented in alcoholism only when there is a confirmed deficiency. Alcoholics who take vitamin A need to limit or avoid alcohol immediately.
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