Which vitamin deficiencies are alcoholics particularly susceptible to?

Alcoholics are particularly susceptible to deficiencies in thiamine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 due to several mechanisms related to alcohol consumption and its impact on nutritional absorption and metabolism.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is crucial for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to impaired absorption of thiamine in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as decreased hepatic storage and increased renal excretion. This is critically important as thiamine deficiency can lead to Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff's syndrome, both serious neurological conditions.

Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is often deficient in alcoholics due to poor dietary intake and absorption, as well as impaired utilization in the body. Alcohol can disrupt folate metabolism and decrease the levels of active folate forms, which are necessary for DNA synthesis and repair, as well as in the production of red blood cells. This can lead to macrocytic anemia and other hematological disorders.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is also affected in alcoholics, primarily due to impaired absorption. Alcohol use can lead to gastritis and other gastrointestinal issues that decrease the secretion of intrinsic factor, which is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption. A deficiency in B12