Question

Vitamin which is most likely to become deficient in alcoholics is
A. Ascorbic acid
B. Thiamine
C. Niacin
D. Riboflavin

Answer 1

Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for the growth and nutrition of the body. They are required in small quantities in the diet since they cannot be produced by the body. People who are addicted to alcohol very often have deficiency in a number of crucial vitamins and minerals. This is because excessive alcohol intake can affect the absorption of all vitamins. It also affects the metabolism, storage and activation of the vitamins.

Complete answer:
Option B Thiamine: Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1 is found in food like whole grains, legumes, some meats and fish. Thiamine is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and proper functioning of neurotransmitters. Approximately eighty percent of alcoholics will develop thiamine deficiency according to a report by NIAAA.
Therefore Option B is the correct answer.

Additional Information:
Option A Ascorbic acid: Ascorbic acid also known as vitamin C is found in citrus fruits like orange, lemon, grapefruit and also green vegetables. Vitamin C is often prescribed to alcoholics to reduce their alcohol cravings. However, it is not likely to become deficient in them.
Option A is incorrect.
Option C Niacin: Niacin also known as vitamin B₃, is found in food such as meat, poultry, fishes like tuna and salmon, nuts, legumes and seeds. Niacin deficiency is not observed more prominently in alcoholics.
Option C is incorrect.
Option D Riboflavin: Riboflavin is also known as vitamin B₂. It is found in food sources like eggs, green vegetables, milk, cheese, meat and mushrooms. Riboflavin deficiency is not seen in alcoholics.
Option D is incorrect.
Correct answer: B. Thiamine.

Note:
Prolonged alcohol users often substitute alcohol for food and therefore reduce their intake of dietary thiamine. Thiamine is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and for the proper functioning of neurotransmitters. Thiamine also plays a major role in protecting the neurons from injury. Alcohol interferes with absorption of thiamine by reducing their uptake in the gut. Long term thiamine deficiency in the brain will lead to alcohol induced dementia.