[Influence of chronic alcoholism on plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels]

In order to evaluate the influence of chronic alcoholism on vitamin D metabolism, plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD) concentrations were measured during winter-time in alcoholic patients with cirrhosis (n = 9) or steatosis (n = 5) and in nonalcoholic patients with cirrhosis (n = 8) or without liver disease (n = 10). Low levels of 25-OHD were found in 91% of the whole population studied. After oral administration of vitamin D 2600000 units, the increase in 25-OHD observed was less pronounced in patients with cirrhosis, but was similar in alcoholic and non-alcoholic patients. The study indicates that chronic alcoholism is not responsible for the 25-OHD deficiency.