Does Alcohol Intake Cause Any Deficiency In Body?

Posted on Tue, 15 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 5 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a physical and my doctor said the serum folic acid test was quite normal. I drink very little but the doctor seems to think that could be one of the causes. What else could be the problem?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (9 hours later)

Brief answer...given below Detailed answer... Hello, Thanks for the query. Your query doesn't reveal the question you are wanting to ask. It would be very nice on your part to give details of your reports and the specific question you have in your mind. Awailting your reply. Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (24 minutes later)

Okay as I asked could drinking be a problem of the test showing some problems are diet supplements I'm taking just needing help

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (17 minutes later)

Hello, Drinking of alcohol on regular basis results in deficiency of not only serum folate levels but can cause deficiency of VIT B12,VIT A and calcium also. Serum folate levels can also be deficient if some one is on regular medications like H2 receptor blockers like ranitidine,proton pump inhibitors like PANTOPROZOLE,pain killers like Advil or Motrin etc. I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query. Best of luck Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar