People seeking treatment for addiction to alcohol are deficient in some nutrients like zinc, vitamins, proteins.[1] Craig McClain says that the alcoholics that he sees in the clinic drink more than 15 glasses a day on an average. This amounts to 2000 calories, but these are empty calories. So, they are devoid of essential nutrients.

McClain has found that people, who are addicted to alcohol have deficiency of zinc. It could be because they are not taking enough mineral from food, meat, nuts and dairy products. But, a greater cause could be that alcohol prevents the absorption of zinc in the gut and also causes more loss of zinc through frequent urination.

Zinc deficiency can manifest itself as a decrease in sense of smell and taste, sore skin on the face and poor vision in the night. Deficiency of zinc can lead to depression, confusion and irritability.[2] This further poses challenge to people with addiction to alcohol.https://bit.ly/2kzLPma