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In what ways does alcohol impact mineral absorption?



Alcohol can impact mineral absorption in several ways. It can affect the digestive system, impairing the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients, including minerals.

One of the primary ways alcohol affects mineral absorption is by damaging the lining of the stomach and intestines [1]. This damage can lead to malabsorption, a condition where the body has difficulty absorbing nutrients from food. As a result, even if a person consumes a diet rich in minerals, they may still be at risk of mineral deficiencies if they consume alcohol excessively.

Alcohol can also interfere with the absorption of specific minerals. For example, alcohol can reduce the absorption of calcium, a mineral essential for bone health [2]. This is because alcohol can increase the amount of calcium excreted in urine, leading to a decrease in calcium levels in the body.

Moreover, alcohol can affect the metabolism of other minerals, such as magnesium and zinc. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to deficiencies in these minerals, which can have serious health consequences [3]. For instance, magnesium deficiency can cause muscle weakness, heart rhythm abnormalities, and seizures, while zinc deficiency can lead to impaired immune function and delayed wound healing.

In summary, alcohol can impact mineral absorption in several ways, including damaging the lining of the stomach and intestines, reducing the absorption of specific minerals, and affecting the metabolism of other minerals. These effects can lead to mineral deficiencies and have serious health consequences.

Sources:

1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2019). Alcohol's Effects on the Body. <https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body>.
2. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research. (1999). Nutritional Needs of Military Women. National Academies Press. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221753/>.
3. Dryden, G. W., & Arora, R. (2015). Alcohol, nutrition, and immunity: a review. Nutrition research, 35(6), 495-505. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2015.04.001>.
4. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Alcohol and Nutrient Absorption. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/insights/alcohol-and-nutrient-absorption>.



Follow-up:   How does alcohol affect calcium absorption? Can alcohol impair iron absorption? What's the link between alcohol and magnesium levels?





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