He enjoys spending time on his farm and going to the movies whenever possible. Besides correcting some nutritional deficiencies, one might ask what does B12 do? The vitamin shots most often are used or requested because they may boost energy and impart a sense of well-being. Researchers have administered folic acid to rats exposed to large amounts of alcohol. Folic acid has been found to be an efficient and affordable way to remedy some of the damage caused by alcohol. What if the Wernicke encephalopathy diagnosis is wrong but providers initiate treatment?

He is a counselor, educator, former Tibetan Buddhist monk and current mindfulness teacher. Raised in a low-income environment where he was surrounded by drugs, alcohol, and violence, John was able to find recovery and change the course of his life at the early age of 22. John is the creator of the Mindfulness in Recovery Program and co-founder of the Mindful Life Program. Sarah serves as a dedicated Admissions Specialist for Burning Tree Programs. Known for her compassionate and insightful nature, Sarah is often one of the first friendly voices a client or family member will engage. In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, traveling, exercising and exploring the great outdoors. Alexis “Lexi” Thomas serves as Admission Specialist for Burning Tree Programs.

Drinking Robs B Vitamins

The more people drink, the stronger the impact on their emotional health. As a result, many experience drastic mood swings and impaired cognition. When you pair that with vitamin B deficiency, it can be a serious problem for vitamins for recovering alcoholics the central nervous system. Scientists evaluated 168 different patients who asked for a detox treatment. Those who received vitamin B2 supplements together with folate managed to reduce the impact of alcohol withdrawal.

Due to its widespread prevalence within your body, a lack of thiamine affects every organ system. What really stands out though, is how the nervous system and the heart are much more influenced by the lack of thiamine they receive than the rest of the body. The consumption of alcohol results in the formation of two very toxic compounds…acetaldehyde and malondialdehyde. These compounds generate massive free radicals that damage cells throughout the body. Proper antioxidants taken before a night of excessive drinking can minimize the hangover or damage to the body.

Additional Health Risks Due To B Vitamin Deficiency

People who misuse alcohol can experience a range of symptoms if they abruptly stop drinking. These symptoms can range from mild nausea, headaches, to life threatening seizures. Pernicious Anemia is an anemic state that may be caused by the malabsorption of Vitamin B12.

• Vitamins and minerals can thus help strengthen weak bodies and restore health.
• Without them, these chemical messengers struggle to function in the proper way.
• Vitamin C is strongly found in orange juice, with more vitamin C being present if the oranges used to make the juice were first frozen.
• He has a passion for utilizing empathy and respect to help clients gain insight to support long term recovery.

An article published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism , recommends a daily allowance of 1.2 mg/day for men and 1.1 mg/day for women. Hangovers are the result of several effects of alcohol on your body, according to the experts at Stanford University. Alcohol is a diuretic, so drinking too much results in dehydration. This shrinks the dura, which is the membrane surrounding your brain, causing your headache. Alcohol also depletes the B vitamins in your system, which leads to fatigue. It can irritate your stomach and intestines, which contributes to nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, according to the University of Texas at Austin. Therefore, high blood serum levels for vitamin B12 can actually be a marker of liver disease, rather than a sign that the body overall contains optimal levels of vitamin B12.

Treating Thiamine Deficiency in Heavy Drinkers

A shortage can lead to fatigue, tongue swelling, mouth sores, and gray hair. Longer-term alcohol abuse and folic acid deficiencies can create weakness, lethargy, and irritability. The vitamins B-6, B-1 and folic acid (vitamin B-9) are vital in your body’s ability to create and maintain adequate iron levels and in avoiding neurological problems. Thiamine deficiency is especially common in those suffering from alcoholism and can cause a form of the disease Beriberi. Symptoms of this disease include loss of appetite, weakness, shortness of breath, and swelling or pain in the extremities.

These are all effective strategies in managing alcohol dependence. For those looking for an inpatient alcohol detox facility near me, it is best to start with treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you get treatment, the easier it will be to detox the system.