Recognition and management of alcohol-related nutritional deficiencies

Alcoholic beverages comprise an appreciable percentage of the total caloric intake of individuals in Western societies. Alcohol contains no usable nutrients and, in the chronic drinker, often replaces food. Chronic alcoholics frequently have evidence of nutritional deficiencies due to decreased intake, reduced uptake and impaired utilization of nutrients. Syndromes of nutritional deficiency seen in the alcoholic include anemias, neurological disorders, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Alcoholics represent the largest group of patients with treatable nutritional disorders in Western countries. Recognition and management of alcohol-related nutritional deficiencies may assist in the identification of high-risk individuals and may result in improved health status with reduced morbidity and mortality.