Alcohol and Nutrition Flashcards
How does food cause decreased peak blood alcohol concentration and increase metabolism?
- Slows gastric empyting
- Increases portal blood flow causing faster metabolism of ethanol
- Slower and prolonged absorption phase increases first pass metabolism in liver so metabolising enzymes not saturated.
What is the alcohol and weight gain paradox?
There is lack of epidemiological evidence that alcohol is assoc with higher body weight.
Why are thiamine levels low in chronic alcohol use?
Poor intake Decreased conversion to coenzyme Reduced storage in fatty liver Inhibited intestinal absorption Increased metabolic demand (thiamine is used for ethanol metabolism)
What is the function of thiamine in the body?
ATP production
Normal nerve conduction
Maintenance of neural membranes
What other nutritional deficiencies may be present in chronic alcohol use?
Folate and B12
Niacin (causing pellagra)
Vit A
Increased urinary secretion of calcium leads to osteoporosis
What are the 3 ds of pellagra?
Diarrhoea, dementia, dermatitis
What is the effect of light, moderate and heavy drinking on CV disease risk?
Light and moderate - no effect or possible protective effect (still cancelled out by other health risks)
Heavy - higher risk of CVD
What cancers does alcohol increase the risk of?
Breast Bowel Liver Mouth/throat Oesophagus Stomach
What is the safest amount of alcohol to drink in pregnancy?
None
Name some signs of foetal alcohol syndrome.
Abnormal appearance, stunting, low body weight and head size, poor coordination
Low intelligence, behaviour problems
Sight and hearing problems
Severity and nature linked to amount consumed and developmental stage
Can women drink when they are breastfeeding?
No
What are the 4 likely mechanisms that alcohol causes cancer?
Carcinogenic breakdown products e.g. acetaldehyde
Solvent (easier for carcinogens to enter cells)
Combined effect with oestrogen (increased breast cancer risk)
Deficiencies in essential nutrients
