Dietetic Technician Practice Test

Chronic alcoholics are most likely to be deficient in the following nutrients, except:

1. magnesium

2. thiamin

3. folate

4. vitamin C

The correct answer is: vitamin C

Chronic alcoholics are indeed often deficient in several key nutrients due to the effects of alcohol on nutrient absorption, metabolism, and overall dietary intake. Among these nutrients, magnesium, thiamin, and folate are commonly noted deficiencies. Magnesium is frequently lost through increased urinary excretion and impaired intestinal absorption. Thiamin deficiency, also known as vitamin B1 deficiency, is particularly concerning in alcoholics as it can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious neurological disorder. Folate is essential for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis, and alcohol intake can interfere with its absorption. In contrast, vitamin C deficiency is less commonly associated with chronic alcoholism. While alcoholics may consume inadequate diets lacking in fruits and vegetables (which are primary sources of vitamin C), the need for vitamin C does not increase as dramatically as with the other listed nutrients. Furthermore, vitamin C is relatively more abundant in the average diet, making it less likely for chronic alcoholics to experience severe deficiencies compared to the other nutrients mentioned. This context highlights why vitamin C is not as critical of a concern in this population.