The effect of alcohol on the human alimentary tract: a review

Ethanol has important effects on the alimentary tract. Nearly every study in the literature documents some aberration of absorption or metabolism of multiple vital nutrients. Malnutrition related to both poor dietary intake and malabsorption plays an important role in the clinical problems of chronic alcoholics. From a clinical viewpoint, the assessment of nutritional status by standard techniques, including serum assays for vitamins and trace elements may add to the ability to treat the alcoholic for potentially detrimental disorders. Malabsorption of ingested nutrients is common, despite the lack of salient physical findings. Therefore, parenteral administration of nutrients may be advisable, pending the reversal of the exocrine and intestinal mucosal defect. Increasing awareness of such deficiencies may lead to their earlier recognition, appropriate therapy, and prevention of further complications.