Mixing alcohol with vitamin D, or the consumption of alcohol in those taking vitamin D supplements, is generally not recommended, particularly in excessive amounts. Several reasons reinforce this caution:

1. Alcohol's Impact on Vitamin D Levels: Chronic alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on vitamin D metabolism, often resulting in lower levels of vitamin D in the body. Studies have shown that individuals with alcohol-use disorders frequently exhibit vitamin D deficiency¹².

2. Vitamin D Absorption: Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of vitamin D and other nutrients. Continuous alcohol intake may reduce the efficacy of vitamin D supplements by impairing their absorption in the intestines³.

3. Liver Health: Both alcohol and vitamin D are processed through the liver. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, impairing the liver's ability to activate vitamin D properly⁴.

4. Health Risks: Alcohol-related liver damage can be exacerbated by vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can aggravate hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation during chronic alcohol-induced liver injury⁵.

Therefore, while moderate alcohol consumption (if you drink at all) may not pose significant risks, excessive drinking can undermine the effectiveness of vitamin D supplements and contribute to various health issues. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice tailored to your health status and lifestyle.

Footnotes

1. Sudan Prasad Neupane, "Vitamin D deficiency in alcohol-use disorders and its relationship to comorbid major depression," PubMed, 2013 ↩

2. Vitor Soares Tardelli, "Vitamin D and alcohol: A review of the current literature", PubMed, 2016 ↩

3. Faraz Bishehsari, "Alcohol and Gut-Derived Inflammation," NCBI, 2015 ↩

4. Olalekan Ogunsakin, "Chronic Ethanol Exposure Effects on Vitamin D Levels Among Subjects with Alcohol Use Disorder," NCBI, 2020 ↩

5. Chun-Qiu Hu, "Vitamin D Deficiency Aggravates Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Inflammation during Chronic Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice," NCBI, 2020 ↩