Which supplement is listed to prevent deficiency during alcohol withdrawal?

• A. Thiamine
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Folic acid
• D. Calcium

Answer: (A)

Thiamine deficiency is a major risk in people who have long-term alcohol use, especially during withdrawal, because alcohol reduces intake, absorption, storage, and utilization of this vitamin. Giving thiamine prevents Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a serious and potentially reversible condition that can occur quickly when thiamine is lacking. In detox settings, thiamine is routinely given to protect brain function and overall recovery, often before giving any glucose since glucose can drive the brain to use what little thiamine is left and worsen deficiency.

Other nutrients like vitamin C, folic acid, or calcium may be important for general health or specific conditions, but they do not address the acute risk of thiamine deficiency that can accompany alcohol withdrawal. That’s why thiamine is the supplement listed to prevent deficiency in this context.