Depressants

CNS Depressants/Nutrient Depletion:

  • Beta-caroteneBeta-carotene: Based on human evidence, high consumption of alcohol may decrease serum concentrations of beta-carotene (9250116). Preliminary studies in animals indicate that beta-carotene supplementation, when combined with heavy alcohol consumption, may increase liver toxicity.
  • CalciumCalcium: Based on human evidence, alcohol may affect calcium status by reducing the intestinal absorption of calcium (10919942). Based on secondary sources, alcohol may also inhibit enzymes in the liver that help convert vitamin D to its active form, which in turn reduces calcium absorption (http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa26.htm). However, evidence indicating the amount of alcohol required to affect calcium absorption is currently lacking. According to secondary sources, wine may enhance absorption of calcium.
  • DHEADHEA: According to secondary sources, alcohol may increase the effects of DHEA. In premenstrual women, alcohol caused a decrease in DHEA levels (10684783).
  • FolateFolate: Based on human evidence, excessive use of alcohol may increase the requirement for folic acid (8561063).
  • LycopeneLycopene: According to secondary sources, the serum concentrations of some carotenoids may be influenced by alcohol consumption, and it has been theorized that lycopene may also be subject to this interaction. However, a study in healthy, nonsmoking men found that the intake of red wine, beer, or spirits had no effect on serum lycopene levels (8766518, 10918470).
  • MagnesiumMagnesium: According to secondary sources, wine may enhance absorption of magnesium.
  • PhosphorusPhosphorus: Based on human evidence, alcohol (ethanol) may increase serum phosphorus (8540912). According to secondary sources, wine may enhance absorption of phosphorus.
  • Vitamin B12Vitamin B12: Based on human evidence, there is controversy as to whether excessive alcohol intake lasting longer than two weeks may decrease vitamin B12 absorption from the gastrointestinal tract in humans (1056726).
  • ZincZinc: Based on human evidence, alcohol, particularly chronic use, may decrease serum zinc concentrations (3979239, 7001892).