Potential health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption: current perspectives in research

Abstract

<jats:p>The benefits of moderate amounts of alcohol for a better health and longer life expectancy compared with abstinence have been suggested by the findings of numerous studies. However, controversies have emerged regarding the influence of confounding factors and the systematic errors that might have been inadvertently disregarded in the early studies. This review includes a description of the findings of those research studies published in the last 5 years on the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on all-cause mortality, CVD and inflammation, the immune system, insulin sensitivity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cancer. Promising evidences exist from both animal studies and human clinical trials regarding intermediate end-points of CHD and insulin sensitivity, such as HDL, adiponectin or fibrinogen. However, controversies and inconsistent findings exist regarding many of these diseases and related functions and biomarkers. Further research and human randomised-controlled trials with adequate standardisation of the study conditions are necessary in order to draw a comparison between studies, establish the causal effect of moderate alcohol intake on disease protection and reach consensus on the circumstances that allow the recommendation of moderate alcohol habitual intakes as a strategy for health maintenance.</jats:p>

Demographic associations for autoantibodies in disease-free individuals of a European population

“…The impacts of alcohol consumption on health are complex and modulated by several factors such as pattern and amount of drinking, genetics, the organ system studied, and the sex and age of the user27. Regular heavy consumption (≥3 drinks a day in men) causes suppression of innate immunity28, whereas moderate consumption (<2 drinks a day for men)29 may enhance the effects of vaccines27 and increase intestinal permeability30, which can lead to immune recognition of self-antigens31. Here, the effects of alcohol were not considered beneficial, since autoantibodies can mark future autoimmunity.…”

Prospective associations between unforgiveness and physical health and positive mediating mechanisms in a nationally representative sample of older adults

“…Responses to both health behaviour items were 'Yes' (1) and 'No' (0). Health risks of smoking are evident, but some controversy exists regarding the health effects of moderate alcohol consumption (Nova, Baccan, Veses, Zapatera, & Marcos, 2012). Nevertheless, even moderate consumption by elderly adults has been shown to be related to some increased risks for cardiovascular problems and adverse drug reactions (Mukamal et al, 2005;Onder et al, 2002).…”

Could moderate alcohol intake be recommended to improve vaccine responses?

“…In contrast to these observations, accumulating evidence supports the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, defined as having up to 1 drink per day for women (0.25-0.5g/kg) and up to 2 drinks per day (0.25-0.1g/Kg) for men [7]. Although most of the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption have been described in the context of cardiovascular disease [8], data from a few studies suggest additional benefits to the immune system.…”