Alcoholic beverages are energy dense and often become the primary energy source in those with AUD, leading to malnutrition. Individuals with AUD are often deficient in one or more essential nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, and thiamine (Hoyumpa 1986). Amongst a group of 30 male and female patients who consumed at least 100g of ethanol daily (on average 51% of total caloric intake) for at least 5 years, all subjects were deficient in vitamin E and folate, 83% were deficient in vitamin C, 80% were deficient in vitamin A, and 73% were deficient in thiamine (Manari, Preedy et al. 2003). These micronutrients have been shown to play an important role in immune system homeostasis and response to infection (Mora, Iwata et al. 2008).
