Changes in serum retinol, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C, carotenoids, xinc and selenium after micronutrient supplementation during alcohol rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
To test the effect of a 21-day supplementation with moderate doses of antioxidant nutrients on biochemical indicators of vitamin, carotenoid and trace element levels in alcohol-dependent patients during a program of alcohol rehabilitation.


METHODS
A randomized double-blind trial was performed comparing two groups receiving daily either a combination of micronutrients (beta-carotene: 6 mg, vitamin C: 120 mg, vitamin E: 30 mg, zinc: 20 mg, selenium: 100 micro g) or a placebo.


METHODS
106 alcohol-dependent patients 20 to 60 years of age without severe liver disease, hospitalized for a 21-day rehabilitation program. Measure of Outcome: Vitamin C, retinol, alpha-tocopherol, zeaxanthin/lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, alpha- and beta-carotene, zinc and selenium were measured in serum, initially and after supplementation.


RESULTS
(1) In the placebo group, after 21 days of rehabilitation, serum concentrations of vitamin C and all five carotenoids significantly increased, whereas retinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations decreased; zinc and selenium levels were unaffected. (2) At the end of the hospital stay, serum indicators were significantly improved in the supplement group as compared to the placebo group for vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, zinc and selenium; conversely, lycopene changes were higher in the placebo group than in supplement group. (3) Of the serum antioxidants measured at entrance, only vitamin C was significantly depleted in heavy smokers, and, after the supplementation period, vitamin C was efficiently repleted in this later group.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that a short-term supplementation with physiological doses of antioxidant vitamins, carotenoids and trace elements during alcohol rehabilitation clearly improves micronutrient status indicators. Heavy smokers in particular seem to respond to vitamin C supplementation.
Gueguen
Sonia
S
INSERM U525 and Centre de Médecine Préventive, 2 avenue Jacques Parisot, F-54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
Pirollet
Pascal
P
Leroy
Pierre
P
Guilland
Jean-Claude
JC
Arnaud
Josiane
J
Paille
François
F
Siest
Gérard
G
Visvikis
Sophie
S
Hercberg
Serge
S
Herbeth
Bernard
B
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood
D000975:Antioxidants; D018977:Micronutrients; D014801:Vitamin A; D002338:Carotenoids; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol; D012643:Selenium; D015032:Zinc; D001205:Ascorbic Acid