Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12
For the health condition: Alcoholism

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin B12 is scientifically used in the management of alcoholism, mainly because chronic alcohol consumption frequently leads to deficiencies in several nutrients, particularly B vitamins. Alcohol impairs the absorption of vitamin B12 in the gastrointestinal tract and can damage the stomach lining, reducing the production of intrinsic factor, which is essential for B12 absorption. Furthermore, individuals with alcohol use disorder often have poor dietary intake and may neglect nutrition, compounding the risk of deficiency.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to significant neurological and hematological problems, including peripheral neuropathy, cognitive disturbances, and megaloblastic anemia — conditions that can also worsen the overall prognosis and quality of life in people with alcoholism. Replenishing vitamin B12 in deficient individuals is a standard component of medical management for alcohol use disorder, especially in hospital or detoxification settings.

However, while treating B12 deficiency is essential, there is no evidence that vitamin B12 supplementation directly treats alcoholism itself or reduces alcohol cravings or relapse rates. The scientific evidence supports B12 use for correcting or preventing deficiency and its complications, rather than as a primary therapy for alcohol dependence. Thus, vitamin B12 is an evidence-based adjunct for addressing the nutritional and neurological deficits seen in alcoholism, but not for treating the addictive disorder per se.

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