Pyridoxal and Folate Deficiency in Alcoholics

The vitamin B12, folate, and pyridoxal status of 50 patients with alcoholism was examined. Twenty-five had a low serum level of pyridoxal. Fourteen had a reduced level of serum folate and 18 a reduced level of haemoglobin. Eleven patients had a raised vitamin B12 level and in 10 this was supported by a raised serum level of alkaline phosphatase or glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase suggesting liver disease. There was a significant correlation between a reduced serum pyridoxal and folate level and a significant correlation between a low serum level of pyrodixal and haemoglobin.