Effect of alcohol consumption on serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, retinol, and retinol-binding protein

Abstract

The effect of chronic alcohol consumption on the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, total retinol, and retinol-binding protein in serum was studied in chronic alcoholics (n = 12) and controls (n = 19). Ethanol intake during the last year was 178 ± 116 and 3.7 ± 4.5 g/day, respectively (p < 0.002). Of the alcoholics, 58% had a concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 below lower limit of reference (20 ng/ml). Estimated dietary intake of vitamin D last year was not significantly different for the alcoholics and controls. Concentration of calcium in serum was significantly lower in alcoholics than in controls (p < 0.05). The serum concentration of retinol and retinol-binding protein was similar in the two groups. These observations may be of relevance for some of the clinical findings related to bone disease among heavy alcohol consumers.