The Link Between Vitamin D and Alcoholism

The link between vitamin D and alcoholism is based on the often-complex relationships between long-term alcohol misuse, nutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Heavy drinking, especially the type of chronic heavy drinking associated with an alcohol use disorder, can affect the body’s ability to process and store nutrients. Additionally, heavy drinkers may sometimes neglect their health and nutrition.

It is not a simple cause-and-effect relationship. Some problem and dependent drinkers can have perfectly normal levels of vitamin D, while people who drink moderately or not at all might experience a deficiency. It does appear, though, that heavy or regular drinking can increase the risk of a vitamin D deficiency, and there is some evidence that deficiency is more common among people with an alcohol use disorder compared to the general population.

What Is Vitamin D and Why Is It Important?

Vitamin D is a vitamin that is vital for a number of processes in the human body, including maintaining healthy bones, muscles and immune function. The body obtains vitamin D through sunlight, food and supplements, but vitamin D deficiency is common. It is estimated that around a billion people worldwide suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. This can be caused by lack of exposure to sunlight, dietary issues and some health and medical conditions. It is also more common among older people.

Vitamin D levels can be assessed with a simple blood test.

How Can Alcoholism Affect Vitamin D Levels?

Prolonged heavy drinking can contribute to poor nutrition and reduced vitamin intake. Heavy drinkers and particularly those with an alcohol use disorder may neglect their general health in a number of areas, including ensuring that they’re eating a balanced diet. Some drinkers might also get limited exposure to sunlight.

Beyond potential lifestyle issues, alcohol-related liver damage can also affect the body’s ability to process and store nutrients. Alcohol is processed largely by the liver and drinking too much alcohol over a prolonged period can cause alcohol-related liver disease.

There is an established link between alcohol-associated liver disease and malnutrition. Malnutrition does not necessarily mean extreme hunger or starvation – according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it can also refer to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in an individual’s nutritional intake. This can involve a number of nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin D. There are known links between vitamin D deficiency and liver disease – although it is not fully understood whether the deficiency is a consequence of liver disease, or can also cause or worsen it.

Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency

Some potential symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include:

• Persistent fatigue or tiredness
• Bone pain
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle aches and cramps
• Frequent illness or infections
• Low mood or mood changes
• Increased fracture risk
• Lower back pain
• Difficulty walking or changes in walking pattern
• Reduced physical strength
• Tooth decay and gum disease
• Hair loss

Some people can have a vitamin D deficiency without any obvious symptoms though. It’s also important to remember that these symptoms could have numerous causes and should not be used for self-diagnosis.

Other Vitamin Deficiencies Associated With Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence can also be associated with deficiencies in thiamine, folate and other nutrients. Thiamine deficiency can be particularly serious as it is connected to very serious health conditions known as Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome. These are the chronic and acute phases of a brain disorder caused by a deficiency in thiamine, which is also known as vitamin B1. Chronic alcohol use can block the absorption of this vitamin, and the damage can be severe and permanent.

Can Vitamin D Supplements Help With Alcohol Recovery?

Supplements may be recommended when some nutritional deficiencies are identified. This is often the case where a vitamin D deficiency is involved. Vitamin D supplements are readily available, but it’s always best to speak to a GP, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional before taking high-dose supplements. According to the NHS, taking too many vitamin D supplements over a prolonged period can cause a calcium buildup known as hypercalcaemia. This can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart.

It should also be understood that vitamin D is not a treatment for alcohol dependence. Effective recovery from alcohol use disorder and associated physical and mental health issues may involve medical care, psychological therapy and nutritional support, as well as long-lasting changes to alcohol use.

Supporting Nutrition During Alcohol Recovery

Long periods of alcohol misuse can take a toll on many different areas of physical and mental health. Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 200 medical conditions but can also have a major impact on health and well-being in general.

A holistic alcohol rehab programme will not only deal with the physical dependence on alcohol – although that is a very important factor. It will also address the psychological aspects of addiction and overall wellbeing. Regular, balanced meals, hydration and professional nutritional assessment can all be important parts of the recovery process.

Getting Help for Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence and addiction is very difficult to recover from without expert help, but it can be successfully treated.

Some signs that professional support may be needed could include:

• Drinking regularly and to excess
• Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
• Increasing tolerance – needing to drink more for the same effect
• Trying and failing to cut down or give up
• Drinking when inappropriate to do so
• Feeling anxious about not being able to drink
• Neglecting responsibilities and other activities
• Experiencing ill effects (withdrawal symptoms) when you don’t drink

People who are dependent on alcohol should not attempt to stop suddenly without medical advice, as withdrawal can be dangerous. Medically supported detoxification can help you to get through this challenging period safely and comfortably, while personalised therapies can address the psychological aspects of addiction. Relapse prevention strategies and ongoing aftercare can help you to maintain your recovery moving forward.

If you’re worried about your drinking and want to take a healthy step forward, get in touch with Asana Lodge today for free and confidential advice.