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

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin B, particularly thiamine (vitamin B1), is strongly supported by scientific evidence for use in the management of alcoholism. Chronic alcohol consumption is a well-established cause of multiple B vitamin deficiencies, especially thiamine, due to poor nutritional intake, impaired absorption, and altered metabolism. Thiamine deficiency can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious neurological disorder characterized by confusion, ataxia, and memory impairment. To prevent or treat this syndrome, thiamine supplementation is routinely recommended for individuals with alcohol use disorder, especially those who are malnourished or presenting with symptoms suggestive of deficiency.

Other B vitamins, such as folate (B9), pyridoxine (B6), and cobalamin (B12), are also commonly depleted in people with chronic alcoholism and can contribute to anemia, neuropathy, and cognitive dysfunction. Supplementation with a B-complex vitamin is often used as a preventive and therapeutic measure in clinical protocols for alcohol withdrawal and rehabilitation. Multiple clinical guidelines, including those from the World Health Organization and major addiction medicine organizations, strongly recommend thiamine supplementation in patients with alcoholism.

Overall, the use of vitamin B (especially thiamine) in the context of alcoholism is extensively validated by clinical research and integrated into standard medical practice, reflecting a clear scientific consensus on its necessity and efficacy.

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