Alcohol & Magnesium

Drinking habits can sometimes blur the lines between healthy and acceptable social drinking and excessive alcohol consumption. The long-term effects of alcohol are very real and can lead to serious and lasting medical issues that begin with vitamin deficiency.

Do You Consume More Than Seven Alcoholic Beverages Per Week?

The effect of alcohol on magnesium levels is similar to the effect of diuretics: it lowers magnesium available to the cells by increasing the excretion of magnesium by the kidneys. In studies, clinical magnesium deficiency was found in 30% of alcoholics.

Increased alcohol intake also contributes to decreased efficiency of the digestive system, as well as Vitamin D deficiency, both of which can contribute to low magnesium levels.

Magnesium Deficiency And Alcohol Intake

Alcoholics have been found to have deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Research shows that drinking alcohol itself does not limit the absorption of minerals, but alcohol-related problems do. Mineral deficiencies may be caused by other alcohol-related conditions:

• Decreased calcium absorption caused by fat malabsorption.
• Magnesium deficiency due to poor diet.
• Magnesium loss due to excretion, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Iron deficiency due to gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Zinc losses related to other nutrient deficiencies.

Taking care of yourself

Excess alcohol in your system is potentially causing a variety of negative health effects on your body. Plus, you may also be facing a risk of damage from poor nutrition.

If you do drink, make sure that you look after yourself by getting enough nutrients, eating balanced meals, and maybe supplementing your diet with a multivitamin and ionic magnesium drops to address the deficiency. Good nutrition promotes good brain function, which can play a role in preventing alcohol misuse in the first place.

Oriel magnesium supplements are the easiest way to ensure regular intake of the mineral. All our products are certified and free of all WADA 2016 banned substances. Our minerals are harvested and processed locally through a patented system that has been audited and certified by Organic and Sustainability bodies.