Peripheral Neuropathy of the Alcoholic: I, Aetiological Role of Aneurin and Other B-complex Vitamins.

may cause peripheral nerve dysfunction suggests that lack of these or other B-complex vitamins may also contribute to neuropathy in the malnourished alcoholic. The present investigation was therefore undertaken to evaluate further the role of aneurin and other B-complex vitamins in the development of this condition. The study consisted of (a) determining circulating levels of aneurin, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, pyridoxine, vitamin BI2, and folic acid in alcoholic patients with and without neuropathy; and (b) an evaluation of the responsiveness of patients with neuropathy to various members of the B-complex group.