In alcoholic cardiomyopathy, which nutritional supplement is commonly recommended?

• A. Iron
• B. Thiamine
• C. Vitamin C
• D. Vitamin D

Answer: (B)

Thiamine deficiency from chronic alcohol use is a common, treatable cause of cardiac dysfunction. Thiamine (vitamin B1) is essential for enzymes that convert glucose into usable energy (ATP) in the heart. When thiamine is deficient, the heart’s cells can’t generate enough energy, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure symptoms—often described as wet beriberi. Giving thiamine helps correct this energy deficit, improve myocardial function, and prevent progression. It’s routinely given in alcoholic patients with suspected deficiency for this reason and to reduce the risk of Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome. Other vitamins listed don’t directly address this energy-metabolism deficit in alcoholic cardiomyopathy.