Vitamins and their possible mechanisms of action against the liver injury caused by al-cohol consumption. S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is a product and inhibitor of methyltransferase reaction (MTs) as well as a substrate for the bidirectional enzyme SAH hydrolase (SAHH), which creates homocysteine or SAH when SAH is in excess. Hcy is metabolized by cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) and cystathionase to produce cysteine and glutathione (GSH) in transsulfuration processes. It is also important to note that SAM inhibits MTHFR while promoting CBS expression. As a result, a SAM shortage boosts 5-Methyl THF production while lowering 5,10-Methyl THF and GSH production. Antioxidants are necessary for avoiding free radical-induced cellular damage.
Herbal Supplements
The major pathway of ethanol metabolism is the oxidative pathway that involves alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) present in the cytosol of hepatocytes [15]. This ADH produces acetaldehyde, which is toxic due to its high reactivity and may form DNA or protein adducts [16,17]. Some of the alcohol that is ingested orally does not enter the systemic circulation but may be oxidized in the stomach by ADH and their isoforms. Since the Km of most ADH isozymes for ethanol is low (about 1 mM), ADH is saturated at low concentrations of alcohol, and the MEOS system is activated [18]. For the average person who is eating a well-balanced, healthy diet, supplements of vitamins B and C are often unnecessary. However, alcohol abusers will find that a holistic approach to recovery that integrates a nourishing diet and this type of vitamin supplementation helps them through the process.
Thiamine in the management of alcohol use disorders
- Minerals sit on top of the skin and provide broad-spectrum coverage against all wavelengths of UVA and UVB light while avoiding common skin reactions and rashes.
- Alcoholics are more likely to be deficient in certain vitamins, especially vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), C (ascorbic acid), and folic acid, even in the absence of liver disease [14].
- A lack of vitamin B9 can trigger anemia and make you weak, tired, and moody.
Another contributing factor to the risk of ALD is high hepatic iron levels, which has been identified as a predictor of mortality in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis [112]. Iron overload is an independent factor in hepatocellular carcinoma progression [110]. High dietary iron intake may also increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting that high iron intake may promote tumorigenesis [111]. Approximately half of ALD patients have hepatic iron overload, with elevated serum ferritin levels and early transferrin saturation. Low hepcidin levels, along with iron deposition in macrophages, are usually present in these patients [147]. This results in accelerated pathological progression to cirrhosis and increased predisposition to hepatocellular carcinoma [148].
Alcoholism and nutrition: a review of vitamin supplementation and treatment
Even though vitamin C consumption has been shown to raise circulation levels of vitamin B9 and lower Hcy levels [118,120,121], the relationship between them remains unknown. Figure 3 summarizes the vitamins and their possible mechanisms of action against the liver injury caused by alcohol consumption. CYP2E1, an enzyme engaged in ethanol metabolism directly or by creating reactive oxidative metabolites, is implicated in ethanol disruption of enzymes involved in vitamin D metabolism [83,91]. The elevated levels of CYP2E1 seen in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid or liver samples of people with alcohol use disorder are likely due to this [80,92].
Alcohol Use Disorder: Nutrition During Recovery
In animals and humans, chronic ethanol abuse reduces plasma levels of vitamins such as vitamin B9 and hepatic levels of SAMe [116] and raises plasma Hcy and hepatic S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) concentrations [110,114,115]. Of course, these are only 12 helpful options—there are many vitamins and supplements for alcoholics you can take to aid your system in recovery. We recommend multivitamin for alcoholics speaking with your doctor about how heavy drinking has impacted your body, and which supplements will be the most safe and useful for you as an individual. Other new habits, such as regular exercise, mindfulness practice, and a healthier diet, can all contribute to boosting your health in recovery. Alcohol interferes with the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- An estimated five to 10 percent of male drinkers and three to five percent of female drinkers are dependent on alcohol.
- If you have been drinking to excess, be sure to educate yourself about how exactly alcohol causes nutrient deficiencies.
- Fortunately, anecdotal and empirical evidence support the use of nutritious supplementation as a way to mitigate the effects of AWS.
- In addition, the addition of fish oil promoted hepatic autophagy and lipid degradation, and subsequently inhibited the accumulation of lipids in the liver.
If you’re new to recovery, your body may not be used to eating or digesting much. You’ll probably need lots of small, healthy meals throughout the day. Switch up your meals by eating a range of foods from the groups you need. A personalized plan can help make the most of nutritional therapy, so you may want to consider working with a dietitian. They’ll help you create a diet that addresses your unique health situation, weight, and personal diet needs. Ask your doctor for a referral, or contact your local hospital, community health center, or university.
What is alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS)?
I found relief over time, gradually, and I tried many that did not work. The process was worthwhile because every now and then, I would discover a miracle supplement that would catapult my sense of well-being to new heights. Good nutrition also helps your brain rework old connections and make new ones. This can make it hard to stay away from alcohol while you’re trying to get better. Overall, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the goal of detoxification is to help make withdrawal safer, more humane and prepare the individual for ongoing treatment.
Supplementation for AUD Detox, Rehab
- Considering that enteral nutrition for liver failure contains approximately 200 kcal, overfeeding should be avoided by subtracting the amount of enteral nutrition from the total energy.
- Ethanol is empty calories, and prolonged alcohol consumption without adequate dietary intake produces a variety of nutritional disorders.
- Benzodiazepines activate a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid), preventing seizures that can arise as fatal complications of withdrawals.
- Even in conditions considered to be compensated cirrhosis (e.g., Child–Pugh grade A), BCAAs are deficient.
Many individuals who drink large quantities of alcohol are deficient in vitamin B1, or thiamine. In fact, this is one of the main vitamins given to people going through medical detox from alcohol. Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and in extreme cases lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, also known as wet brain. In this post, we’ll discuss the relationship between alcohol and nutrition, plus 12 of the best supplements and vitamins for alcoholics in recovery. These include supplements for alcohol cravings, repairing your liver, and rebalancing your nervous system. Doctors may recommend multivitamin supplements containing B1, B2, B3, B6, and vitamin C.
- Canola, olive, safflower, sesame, and sunflower oils are good sources of healthy fats.
- In fact, this is one of the main vitamins given to people going through medical detox from alcohol.
- Years ago, I had cravings that were so bad that I wondered if they would be a permanent part of my life.
- This lack of vitamins and minerals can make recovery more difficult with worsened withdrawal symptoms.
- This can increase the chances of developing osteoporosis, especially for women.5 If you’re currently drinking, trying to cut back, or in recovery, taking calcium supplements is another great way to protect your overall health.