Some of the best vitamins and supplements to use while detoxing from alcohol include B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc and magnesium supplements, and others. There were also associations between both vitamin C and vitamin B9 117,118 while the molecular basis is unknown. Vitamin B9 is required for the transformation of Hcy into methionine as well as the generation of deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) from deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) 119. 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.
- They can also help with cravings, and they can lessen withdrawal symptoms.
- Symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on the length and intensity of alcohol abuse and dependency.
- Another crucial aspect of addiction medicine is ensuring proper nutrition.
- But these are all carefully constructed lies, designed to hook you into a cycle of dependence.
- While these vitamin supplements can also be taken individually, multivitamins may be an easier alternative if you have trouble taking multiple vitamins at once or over the course of a day.
Other Vitamins Drinkers Should Consider
- In the presence of glucose intolerance or obesity, caloric requirements may be lower and require individualized attention.
- Long-term alcoholism, for example, can change the structure of the brain in ways that cause brain tissue to shrink and white matter to disappear.
- Activation of Kupffer cells by intestine-derived lipopolysaccharides is also a major factor in ALD.
- Nutritional strategies may be helpful for the treatment of alcoholics, including those with ALD.
These properties may help protect the liver from damage during alcohol withdrawal. Alcoholics are often deficient in thiamine, which can lead to a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This condition can cause confusion, memory loss, and other neurological problems. Aubri John has been a contributing researcher and writer to online physical and mental health oriented journals since 2005. John publishes online health and fitness articles that coincide with her licensed clinical skills in addictions, psychology and medical care. She has a master’s degree in clinical social work and a Ph.D. in health psychology.
Support for Recovery
Not surprisingly, alcoholism is the number one cause of vitamin deficiency in the United States and Europe. Because nutrient deficiencies are often so severe and pronounced, it is important to get them replenished as soon and best vitamins for recovering alcoholics as safely as possible. The best way for this to happen is by participating in a professional detox program. This is because alcohol withdrawal occurs when an individual stops ingesting alcohol.
- One of the most effective ways to ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms is by incorporating certain vitamins and minerals into your diet.
- In the journey towards recovery from alcoholism, replenishing your body’s nutrients is crucial.
- It also affects the health of your central and peripheral nervous system.
- They are valid tools for screening hospitalized patients for the risk of malnutrition and are recommended by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism 22,23.
- While glutamine supplements won’t cure alcohol-related liver disease, they can detoxify the liver to remove excess ammonia11.
1.3. Fats Recommended for ALD
Taking supplements like vitamin C, NAC, and GABA may help replenish your nutrient stores, potentially reducing your cravings and easing your withdrawal symptoms. Addiction is caused by many things, so it’s unlikely that any one “magic bullet” can cure the disease in isolation. That being said, alcohol use disorder and other types of addictions are indeed influenced by biochemical reactions – and biochemical reactions rely on a good supply of bioavailable nutrients. Even drug addiction treatment mild cases of vitamin B3 deficiency can drive the biochemistry of alcohol addiction. Niacin supplementation may be a cheap, simple, and highly effective way to undo the damage.