Which metal deficiency is most common among alcoholics?

The most common metal deficiency among alcoholics is magnesium. Alcohol consumption can lead to a multitude of nutritional deficiencies, largely due to poor dietary intake and impaired absorption of nutrients.

In the case of magnesium, alcohol can interfere with its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly affecting the small intestine where magnesium is primarily absorbed. Additionally, chronic alcohol use can cause renal wasting of magnesium, where the kidneys excrete more magnesium than normal, further depleting the body's stores. This deficiency can result in various clinical manifestations including muscle cramps, weakness, and cardiac issues, which are often observed in individuals struggling with alcoholism.

While copper and zinc deficiencies can also occur in alcoholics, magnesium deficiency is particularly prevalent due to the specific mechanisms affected by alcohol intake. Iron deficiency can occur as well, but it's less specifically linked to alcohol consumption. Therefore, magnesium stands out as the most common metal deficiency in this population, given the unique effects of alcohol on magnesium homeostasis.