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Does Alcohol Consumption Cause Depletion Of Vitamins In The System?

Posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014

Question: I think I have a deficency. Would drinking heavily 2 days a week over many years delplete me of B vitamins or other vitamins? I want to talk in detail about my symptoms etc.

Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Rare but possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX

I am Dr.Senduran,General physician hope to answer your query..

Heavy drinking twice a week over many years may rarely cause deficiency of the vitamins especially of B complex like thiamine,pyridoxine etc especially in the context of improper diet intake.Please elaborate your symptoms and tell the exact duration, type of consuming beverage etc to discuss further relating to your specific issues.

Awaiting your reply

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (56 minutes later)

Hello, thanks for your reply. Some of my symptoms:

Depression
Anxiety
Hard to Think clearly
Formication
Stiff Fingre Joints
Slight Greying of hairs
No sex drive
Lack of erections
No morning erections
Premature Grey Hairs Appearing
No lunulas on fingre nails apart from thumbs
Vitiligo

- When i take a B-complex supplement I suddendly feel more alrert (i plan on taking one for a few month now to see if the symptoms reside).

Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid binge drinking

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

The symptoms that you mentioned could well correlate to a micro nutrient deficiency which probably rules out any other particular disease.You have made the right decision to start with B-complex supplementation.Also I would suggest you to avoid heavy drinking..Limit the servings to maximum 2-3 on a day,which will enhance the treatment response..You can also try Multivitamin tablets which would contain B complex,antioxidants,necessary minerals and fat soluble vitamins(as a combo) after getting advice from a local doctor..Encourage healthy diet,a good sleep,avoid smoking if you do and regular physical activity.The above said measures should improve your quality of life if you strictly adhere to it..

Hope I was helpful .If any queries reply back or else close this discussion and rate my answer.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (18 hours later)

Hi, I did take a B12 active test and it came back ok. However, after I supplement with a B-complex i feel instantly better and as said, premature grey hairs and all the symptoms are related to deficency. I believe im deficent in one of the B's but not sure which as a result of alchol consumption over many years.

My question is how long would it take for my fingre lunulas to re-appear and grey hairs to reverse if my b-complex supplement is addressing the deficency?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (4 hours later)

Hello XXXX,

Brief answer:Around 6 months

Detailed answer:Alcohol is likely to deplete mainly vitamin B1(thiamine),B6(pyridoxine),folate in B-complex.Thiamine deficiency could be one of the main deficiencies in your case .However replacement with whole of B-complex/multivitamins is often recommended when any particular deficiency is found..It will take around 4 to 6 months with regular course of supplementation to see the treatment response.Hope this answers your query.Hope I have answered your query.Take care.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T