Which statement correctly describes the effect of regular alcohol intake on thiamin?

Which statement correctly describes the effect of regular alcohol intake on thiamin?

• A. Alcohol increases thiamin absorption
• B. Thiamin is affected only in children
• C. Regular alcohol intake increases thiamin requirements and impairs absorption
• D. Thiamin is not affected by alcohol

Answer: (C)

Regular alcohol use disrupts thiamin status by both impairing absorption and increasing the body's needs for the vitamin. Thiamin is a water-soluble nutrient with limited stores, and it functions as a cofactor in key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism. Chronic alcohol consumption damages the gut lining and interferes with thiamin transport in the small intestine, reducing absorption. It also compromises hepatic storage and conversion to the active form, thiamine pyrophosphate, and increases urinary losses. Coupled with often poorer dietary intake, these effects raise the daily thiamin requirement and make deficiency more likely if intake isn’t increased or supplemented. That’s why the statement describing increased requirements and impaired absorption is the best fit.

Regular alcohol use disrupts thiamin status by both impairing absorption and increasing the body's needs for the vitamin. Thiamin is a water-soluble nutrient with limited stores, and it functions as a cofactor in key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism. Chronic alcohol consumption damages the gut lining and interferes with thiamin transport in the small intestine, reducing absorption. It also compromises hepatic storage and conversion to the active form, thiamine pyrophosphate, and increases urinary losses. Coupled with often poorer dietary intake, these effects raise the daily thiamin requirement and make deficiency more likely if intake isn’t increased or supplemented. That’s why the statement describing increased requirements and impaired absorption is the best fit.