Regular consumption of alcohol can cause nutritional deficiencies, a major cause of chronic disease. Alcohol actually inhibits the absorption and function of important nutrients such as thiamin (vitamin B1), vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc. Alcohol can also impair the healthy probiotic bacteria critical for healthy digestive and immune function. Multivitamins can help ensure against these B-vitamin and zinc deficiencies, reducing your risk of chronic disease as you age.
References
1. Frequently asked questions – Alcohol
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016
2. Relationships between nutrition, alcohol use, and liver disease.
Lieber CS., Alcohol Research and Health, 2003
3. McCulloch, Marsha MS, RD. “How Nutritional Therapy Is Helping People Overcome Alcohol Addiction.” Healthline, 21 May, 2018. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-nutritional-therapy-is-helping-people-overcome-alcohol-addiction#2Relationships between nutrition, alcohol use, and liver disease. Lieber CS., Alcohol Research and Health, 2003