Excessive alcohol consumption could reduce the absorption and use of vital nutrients, such as thiamine (vitamin B), vitamin B12, folic acid and zinc, he said. If supplements are taken, it is important not to exceed the recommended doses of these vitamins, as high doses of supplements can cause liver damage. Alcohol reduces the body's ability to absorb calcium and its partner, vitamin D. It can also affect the pancreas and vitamin D metabolism.
As I mentioned before, vitamin B1 (thiamine) is the most important B vitamin to take when drinking alcohol. Although alcohol can overwhelm your body and brain, you can help yourself and reduce harm by drinking adequate alcohol, over-hydrating, and supplementing with various antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. That's why I recommend taking a high-quality multimineral supplement after your last drink, before bed and, again, the next morning. Alcohol has also been shown to reduce folate and vitamin B6 in the body, essential nutrients involved in the production of GABA and serotonin (20, 6).
Thiamine (vitamin B) is involved in protein and fat metabolism and in the formation of hemoglobin. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association lists some reasons why people take vitamins. B vitamins (such as vitamin B12, thiamine, and folate) can help patients with cirrhosis, malnutrition, and protein intolerance. They're often found in dark-colored alcoholic beverages, such as whiskey and tequila, and they can also contribute to a hangover, making you feel unwell the next day.
However, research shows that alcohol significantly reduces all B vitamins, in particular vitamins B3, B6 and folate (2, 2). In one study, NAC, vitamin C, and vitamin B1 completely blocked a fatal dose of acetaldehyde in animals. Alcohol can reduce the supply of vitamin D to the liver, or vitamin D can regulate the genes responsible for alcohol metabolism. However, regardless of the number of laps and wind springs you make, drinking alcohol reduces your aerobic metabolism and endurance.
Supplementing with trimethylglycine and B vitamins (folate and B1) also helps the body synthesize its own SAMe, similar to the way NAC and vitamin C work together to produce glutathione. After living in a moldy environment for more than a year, I became extremely sensitive to seemingly healthy foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and nuts. Many people take multivitamins to improve their health, supplement their diet or cover nutritional deficiencies. Other protective antioxidants include CoQ10, quercetin, grape seed extract, vitamin E, selenium, and resveratrol.
