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Nutritional effects of alcoholism

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Abstract

Alcohol is the most frequently used drug worldwide and remains a socially acceptable hepatotoxin. Although the toxic effects of alcohol on various organs (liver, pancreas, heart, and intestine) are well recognized, the role of alcohol in overall energy and protein metabolism is less well understood. In particular, the efficiency of alcohol as a source of calories and as a substrate for energy production appears to be influenced by the amount of both alcohol and fat consumption as well as by gender. The relationship between alcohol intake and body weight is complex, but it is a clinical dilemma with important nutritional implications for weight management in addition to specific organ toxicity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Robert Schwartz Center for Metabolism and Nutrition, Division of Gastroenterology, Metro Health Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, 44109-1998, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Yngve Falck-Ytter MD & Arthur J McCullough MD

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  1. Yngve Falck-Ytter MD
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  2. Arthur J McCullough MD
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Falck-Ytter, Y., McCullough, A.J. Nutritional effects of alcoholism. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2, 331–336 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-000-0028-6

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