How can vitamin C deficiency affect people with alcoholism?

In individuals with alcoholism, vitamin C deficiency can lead to the development of scurvy, a nutritional disorder caused by a lack of ascorbic acid. This deficiency often arises because alcoholics may consume a severely imbalanced diet, neglecting nutrient-rich foods in favor of "empty calories" that lack essential vitamins and minerals.12

Vitamin C is vital for the formation of collagen, a key component of normal tissues. When this nutrient is absent, the body cannot perform normal tissue synthesis, leading to clinical manifestations such as:

• Fatigue and soreness or stiffness in the joints and lower extremities.1
• Swollen, bleeding gums and loosened teeth.1
• Bleeding under the skin and in deep tissues.1
• Slow wound healing and anemia.1
• Changes in personality.1

If left untreated, scurvy can be fatal due to complications from infection or internal bleeding. Because alcoholism can also cause gastrointestinal dysfunction, individuals may struggle to absorb the nutrients they do consume, further increasing the risk of such deficiencies. Treatment typically involves the administration of vitamin C alongside a balanced diet.123