Abstract
A prospective study of light-to-moderate drinkers was undertaken to establish the frequency of abnormal findings on CT, psychometric and dietary parameters over a range of alcohol consumption. In particular, it was desirable to exclude the possibility of poor nutrition contributing to the picture of CT atrophy, especially with the assessment of any demonstrable reversibility. Thirty-nine subjects were studied and 16 were found to be deficient in some part of their diet, although initial interviews established that they considered they took a balanced, adequate diet. Five subjects were re-examined after six months' abstinence from alcohol: in four cases the total kilocalorie intake was less than the initial total, a proportion having been contributed latter by the previous alcohol consumption. The dietary history was partially checked by estimation of the level of B vitamins. Seven subjects had a low red cell thiamin, four of these having a normal serum level. These findings in social drinkers (mean alcohol consumption ‡ 54 gms/day) lend support to the theory that thiamin deficiency in alcoholics is mediated by alcohol, rather than diet.
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Notes on contributors
B. Jones
Both authors formerly Public Health Officers, Eastern Sydney Area Public Health Unit Previously general practitioner, Orange NSW, Australia.