ABSTRACT
This study was undertaken to test the effect of a 21-day supplementation of antioxidant nutrients on biochemical indicators of lipid peroxidation, and vitamin levels in alcohol-dependent patients during a program of alcohol rehabilitation. A randomized double-blind trial was performed comparing two groups receiving daily either a combination of micronutrients (vitamin A 5000 IU, vitamin D3 400 IU, vitamin E 15 mg, vitamin B1 IP 5mg, vitamin B2 IP 5mg, nicotinamide IP 45mg, D-panthenol IP 5mg, vitamin B6 IP 2mg, vitamin C IP 75 mg, folic acid 1000mcg, vitamin B12 IP 5mcg, dibasic calcium phosphate IP 70 mg, copper sulphate BP 0.1mg, zinc sulphate monohydrate USP 28.7, potassium iodide IP 0.025 mg, light magnesium oxide IP 0.15 mg) or a non-supplemented group. 160 male alcohol-dependent patients, 25–45 years of age without severe liver disease, hospitalized for a 21-day rehabilitation program were included. Serum malondialdehyde, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and vitamin C were measured in serum, initially and after supplementation. In the non-supplemented group, serum concentrations of malondialdehyde decreased significantly (p<0.05) and vitamin C significantly increased (p<0.001), whereas α-tocopherol and β-carotene concentrations were unaffected. At the end of the hospital stay, serum indicators were significantly improved in the supplemented group as compared to the non-supplemented group for α-tocopherol, β-carotene and serum malondialdehyde (p<0.001). The results indicate that a short-term supplementation with physiological doses of antioxidant vitamins during alcohol rehabilitation clearly improves micronutrient status indicators, and reduces oxidative stress.