Alcoholism and Nutrition

Dr. Roger Williams studied alcoholism for many years. In his research he found that a single vitamin or mineral deficiency could lead to overconsumption of alcohol. Restoration of adequate quantities of that nutrient to the diet would end the binging. A study of 39 alcoholics reported in 1992 widespread deficiencies of many nutrients in alcoholics. Protein-energy malnutrition was found in 22% of the alcoholics studied. The following deficiencies were also found: B2 (69%), magnesium (54%), zinc (50%), vitamin B1 (44%), vitamin B6 (21%), vitamin C (19%), and folic acid (18%).

Abram Hoffer found that prolonged deficiency of a nutrient could lead to acquired dependency for a larger amount of the nutrient than would normally be available in the diet. He routinely supplemented alcoholics with generous quantities of nutrients including vitamin B3 which he found particularly beneficial. This nutrient benefited the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous that he wrote a booklet encouraging doctors of give the vitamin to alcoholics. Unfortunately, the doctors involved with AA were not interested in working with vitamins.

Sustained supplementation of alcoholics with quality nutrition is often very helpful. Even more important, if one is inclined to consume alcoholic beverages, is to supplement when consuming empty calories. One of our distributors served a NeoLife B Complex with every drink at her social gatherings. Guests repeatedly told her that they did not have a hangover the next day. This squares with the experience of nutrition pioneer Francis M. Pottenger, Jr. who liked his alcoholic beverages, but always blended a raw liver drink prior to enjoying his alcohol to minimize the damage caused by the alcohol. (This information was shared with me by someone who worked with Dr Pottenger many years ago) .

Reference:

Wood, B., et al., Nutritional status in alcoholism, Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 1992;5:275-285.