Yes, heavy alcohol use can lead to malnutrition. Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with the absorption, metabolism, and storage of nutrients, leading to various nutritional deficiencies [2]. Alcohol contains calories but provides little nutritional value, which can result in a reduced appetite and poor dietary choices, further contributing to malnutrition [1].

Heavy alcohol use can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and liver, impairing their ability to absorb and metabolize nutrients [2]. Alcohol can also increase the body's metabolic rate, leading to an increased demand for nutrients [3]. As a result, individuals who consume heavy amounts of alcohol may experience deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other essential nutrients [2].

In addition, alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to regulate energy balance, leading to weight loss and malnutrition [3]. Chronic alcohol consumption can also result in alcoholic liver disease, which can further exacerbate malnutrition [2].

In summary, heavy alcohol use can lead to malnutrition due to impaired nutrient absorption, increased metabolic demands, and poor dietary choices.

Sources:

[1] <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/HEAVY>
[2] <https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nutritional-status-in-patients-with-sustained-heavy-alcohol-use>
[3] <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5513692/>