Tag: Chronic alcohol use

Chronic alcohol use is a leading cause of malnutrition, with deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals like thiamine and zinc being common. Alcohol interferes with the body's ability to absorb, store, and utilize nutrients, raising the question: does drinking alcohol deplete vitamins and minerals?

According to the CDC, mandatory fortification of grains has significantly reduced folic acid deficiency rates in countries like the U.S., but deficiencies still occur. A person might be low in folic acid for a variety of reasons, including poor dietary choices, medical conditions, and genetic predispositions. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective prevention and treatment of a low folic acid status.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is often clinically under-recognized, with autopsy studies showing it is missed in up to 85% of cases. The severe neurological disorder is strongly associated with a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which is commonly triggered by long-term chronic alcohol use.

While inadequate dietary intake is a common cause of B vitamin deficiency, up to 43% of community-dwelling older adults may have a B12 deficiency due to impaired absorption. This highlights that simply eating B vitamin-rich foods is not always enough to prevent a deficiency, making it critical to understand **what causes the body to not absorb B vitamins** effectively.

Up to 40% of women of childbearing age in certain low-income countries have folate insufficiency. This critical nutrient is vital for health, yet several factors can interfere with its uptake. Understanding what blocks folic acid absorption is the first step toward safeguarding your nutritional status.