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Mineral Metabolism in Alcoholism

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The Biology of Alcoholism

Abstract

Mineral deficiencies occur in chronic alcoholism for two reasons. In the first place, alcohol has been shown to increase excretion of magnesium, zinc, and calcium. In the second place, insufficient intake of nutritious food and associated minerals is a frequently associated phenomenon in chronic alcoholism. Vomiting and diarrhea often accentuate the losses. Potassium deficiency results from insufficient intake and gastrointestinal disturbances. Mineral deficiencies, like all other complications of alcoholism, are preventable theoretically by avoidance of excessive alcohol intake, but the problem is complicated by social and psychiatric aspects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA

    Edmund B. Flink

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  1. Edmund B. Flink
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA

    Benjamin Kissin  & Henri Begleiter  & 

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Flink, E.B. (1971). Mineral Metabolism in Alcoholism. In: Kissin, B., Begleiter, H. (eds) The Biology of Alcoholism. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-6525-3_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-6525-3_12

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4615-6527-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-6525-3

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