What is the most common vitamin deficiency seen worldwide and often associated with alcoholism?

The most common vitamin deficiency seen worldwide, particularly in the context of alcoholism, is not Vitamin B12; rather, it is Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Alcoholism can lead to poor dietary intake and absorption of thiamine, contributing to the development of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious neurological disorder associated with severe thiamine deficiency.

Thiamine is crucial for carbohydrate metabolism and neuronal function. Insufficient levels often result in neurological issues, demonstrating its vital role in maintaining brain health. The association between thiamine deficiency and alcoholism stems from the fact that alcohol can impair the absorption of this vitamin from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as its conversion to its active coenzyme form.

In contrast, Vitamins B2, B6, and B12 do not have the same direct association with alcoholism-related deficiencies or the global prevalence seen with thiamine deficiency. While alcoholics may also have deficiencies in these vitamins, particularly due to malnutrition, thiamine deficiency remains the most critical and widely recognized in this population. Therefore, recognizing thiamine's role in both general health and the context of alcoholism emphasizes its significance as a dietary requirement.