Oral nutritional supplementation for the alcoholic patient: a brief overview.

Approximately 1.5 million Americans seek treatment for alcoholism annually. Malnutrition is frequently observed in the alcoholic population due to several factors, including poor dietary intake, alcohol-associated gastrointestinal problems, decreased nutrient absorption and enhanced excretion of trace elements. The administration of multivitamins with minerals and folic acid is commonplace. The present paper reviews basic nutrient deficits commonly encountered in alcoholic individuals and describes the rationale and basic guidelines for oral replacement therapy.