What is a common effect of long-term alcohol use on nutritional status?

Long-term alcohol use commonly leads to vitamin deficiencies due to several interrelated factors. Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract, hinder the metabolism of vitamins, and lead to poor dietary choices. Individuals with chronic alcohol use may neglect a balanced diet, opting instead for alcohol as a primary source of calories, which provides little nutritional value.

In particular, deficiencies in vitamins such as thiamine (B1), folate (B9), and vitamin B12 are often observed, which can contribute to serious health issues like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (a neurological disorder) and anemia. These vitamin deficiencies occur because alcohol can disrupt the normal functions of the liver, which is crucial for nutrient storage and metabolism, further exacerbating the problem.

Therefore, the impact of long-term alcohol consumption on nutritional status is notably characterized by significant vitamin deficiencies, making this the correct answer.