Speakers
8th European Beer and Health Symposium
Prof. Demosthenes Panagiotakos
Demosthenes Panagiotakos is Professor in Biostatistics, Research Methods in Nutrition and Epidemiology. Since 2016 is the vice Rector of Financial Affairs, Research and Development of the Harokopio University in Athens. During 2013-2016 he was the Dean of the School of Health Science & Education at Harokopio University in Athens, Greece. Dr Panagiotakos is also visiting Distinguished Professor at School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, US, visiting Professor at the School of Medicine, University of Athens and at the Agricultural University of Athens. He has supervised 14 PhD and over 60 MSc theses. He is the Principal Investigator of 7 large–scale epidemiological studies (2,5M). His research interests include CVD epidemiology, risk modelling and analysis, medical research methodology, meta-analysis, as well as nutritional epidemiology and methodology. He has published 3 books, over 600 scientific papers in peer-reviewed international journals, as well as 50 papers in national journals and Conference proceedings and has more than 17.500 citations of his work (h-index of 57). He has received 3 Young Investigators’ National and International Awards and 3 Scholarships (2 National, 1 EU) and many Awards from various Scientific Societies. He has served as an evaluator for 17 National and International Organizations, reviewer in 61 international journals, as well as external evaluator for several faculty positions; he is an Executive Board member in 3 Scientific Societies. He is Editorial Board member / Associate Editor in 17 international journals. He has invited to give more than 220 lectures in 16 countries around the world.
Prof Panagiotakos is currently Member of the Scientific Committee of Health, Environment and Emerging Risks of the European Committee (2016-2021). He is a Board Member of the National Nutrition Policy Committee, and has served as Board Member of the Scientific Council of the Hellenic Food Authority and as Board Member of the National Council of Public Health.
Moderate consumption of beer and its effect on cardiometabolic risk
Alcoholic beverages are widely consumed throughout the world. Alcohol-related health effects are determined by the volume of alcohol consumed, the pattern of drinking, and the type of alcohol consumed. Many large scale epidemiological studies have consistently reported that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, especially red wine. A question remains about other alcoholic beverages, like beer and other spirits consumption. A recent meta-analysis on the relationship between wine, beer or spirit consumption and vascular events confirmed the J-shaped association between wine consumption and vascular risk and provided substantial evidence for a similar relationship between beer and vascular risk, while no beneficial effect was observed as regards spirits consumption. In conclusion, and on the basis of the available data, it would seem reasonable to recommend that individuals, who currently drink, try to move towards moderate consumption. Regarding beer consumption, as compared to other spirits, it seems to be more beneficial. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend that abstainers initiate drinking for health benefits, or for light drinkers to increase their alcohol consumption.