Supplement | Amount | Why |
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Zinc | Take under medical supervision: 135 to 215 mg daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with zinc may correct the deficiency common in alcoholic liver cirrhosis and may correct the impaired taste function that people with cirrhosis often experience. |
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Beta-Carotene | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Though not a treatment for withdrawal, beta-carotene supplementation may be a safe way to correct vitamin A deficiencies common to alcoholics (requires a doctor’s supervision to monitor liver function and avoid damage).
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D,L-Phenylalanine (DLPA) (Food Allergies) | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] In double-blind research, alcoholics treated with DLPA (D,L-phenylalanine) combined with L-tyrosine, L-glutamine, prescription L-tryptophan, plus a multivitamin had reduced withdrawal symptoms and decreased stress.
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Evening Primrose Oil | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] In a double-blind study of alcoholics in a detox program, supplementing with EPO led to greater improvement than did placebo in some parameters of liver function. |
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Glutamine | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Animal and double-blind human research has shown that this amino acid reduces desire for alcohol and anxiety levels. |
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Kudzu | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Traditional Chinese medicine, animal research, and some preliminary studies have found extracts of this herb may help reduce alcohol cravings, though some studies have not shown benefit. |
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L-Tyrosine, D,L-Phenylalanine (DLPA), L-Glutamine, L-Tryptophan, and a Multivitamin | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] In double-blind research, alcoholics treated with L-tyrosine combined with DLPA (D,L-phenylalanine), L-glutamine, prescription L-tryptophan, plus a multivitamin had reduced withdrawal symptoms and decreased stress.
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Magnesium | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Alcoholics are sometimes deficient in magnesium, and some researchers believe that symptoms of withdrawal may result in part from this deficiency. |
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Multivitamin | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Because of multiple nutrient deficiencies associated with alcoholism, most alcoholics who quit drinking should take a high-potency multivitamin for at least several months after the detox period. |
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Vitamin A | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Because of potential liver damage, correcting the vitamin A deficiency common to alcoholics requires a doctor’s supervision to monitor liver function. |
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Vitamin B1 | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Supplementing with vitamin B1 (thiamine) may prevent brain damage and nerve disorders in people with alcoholism, including those withdrawing from alcohol.
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Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Preliminary research has suggested that niacin may help wean some alcoholics away from alcohol. Niacinamide—a safer form of the same vitamin—might have similar actions. |
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Vitamin B6 | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Alcohol-related anxiety may be improved by a combination of vitamin B6, vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin E, though the high amounts of niacin and vitamin B6 used in the study need a doctor’s supervision. |
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Vitamin B-Complex | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Research suggests it is possible that successful treatment of B-complex vitamin deficiencies may actually reduce alcohol cravings, because animals crave alcohol when fed a B-complex-deficient diet. |
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Vitamin C | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Vitamin C appears to help the body rid itself of alcohol. Alcohol-related anxiety may also be improved by a combination of vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, and vitamin E, though the high amounts B vitamins studied need a doctor’s supervision.
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Vitamin D | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] If deficient, supplementing with this vitamin may help prevent bone loss and muscle weakness.
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Vitamin E | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Alcohol-related anxiety may be improved by a combination of vitamin E, vitamin B6, niacin, and vitamin C, though the high amounts of niacin and vitamin B6 used in the study need a doctor’s supervision. |
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