Regular alcohol intake may affect absorption and utilization of which six vitamins and minerals?

Prepare for the ASPEN Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions offering hints and explanations. Ensure success in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Regular alcohol intake may affect absorption and utilization of which six vitamins and minerals?

Explanation:
Regular alcohol intake disrupts the gut and liver processes that control many micronutrients, so deficiencies and imbalances are common in people who drink regularly. This often shows up with thiamin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, and zinc. Thiamin absorption can be reduced in the small intestine, and its storage and utilization are impaired with ongoing alcohol exposure, increasing risk for deficiency and neurologic symptoms. Vitamin B6 metabolism and cellular use are also disrupted by ethanol, leading to lower functional B6 status. Vitamin B12 absorption can be compromised by alcohol-related gastritis and reduced intrinsic factor activity, raising the risk of hematologic issues. Vitamin C status is commonly affected due to poorer intake and higher oxidative stress from alcohol, impacting collagen formation and immune function. Iron absorption and utilization can be altered by gastric mucosal damage and changes in iron metabolism, while zinc absorption and retention are reduced by alcohol, contributing to immune and wound-healing problems. Because these six nutrients are repeatedly shown to be impaired with regular alcohol use, they’re the best fit for this question; other nutrient groups listed don’t have as consistent or direct a impact on absorption and utilization from alcohol alone.

Regular alcohol intake disrupts the gut and liver processes that control many micronutrients, so deficiencies and imbalances are common in people who drink regularly. This often shows up with thiamin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, and zinc.

Thiamin absorption can be reduced in the small intestine, and its storage and utilization are impaired with ongoing alcohol exposure, increasing risk for deficiency and neurologic symptoms. Vitamin B6 metabolism and cellular use are also disrupted by ethanol, leading to lower functional B6 status. Vitamin B12 absorption can be compromised by alcohol-related gastritis and reduced intrinsic factor activity, raising the risk of hematologic issues. Vitamin C status is commonly affected due to poorer intake and higher oxidative stress from alcohol, impacting collagen formation and immune function. Iron absorption and utilization can be altered by gastric mucosal damage and changes in iron metabolism, while zinc absorption and retention are reduced by alcohol, contributing to immune and wound-healing problems. Because these six nutrients are repeatedly shown to be impaired with regular alcohol use, they’re the best fit for this question; other nutrient groups listed don’t have as consistent or direct a impact on absorption and utilization from alcohol alone.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy