News
Meta-analysis finds no association between alcohol consumption and formation of blood clots in veins
Low to moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with a decreased risk in cardiovascular diseases. But there is still limited research towards the relation between alcohol consumption and the risk of blood clot formation in veins, also called venous thromboembolism. A recently published meta-analysis, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, is the first one looking at this relation. Results suggest that there is no association between the two.
The cardiovascular effects of beer: a meta-analysis looking at experimental evidence
A lot of research has already been done towards the relation between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease, and many studies – both epidemiological and experimental – find evidence for a possible protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption. But is this the case for all alcoholic beverages? For the first time, a meta-analysis, published in PLoS ONE, only looks at experimental studies with beer consumption. Results indicate improvement in vascular elasticity and the authors conclude that beneficial effect of beer on endothelial function is likely.
Does alcohol consumption influence cognition? A critical meta-analysis
A recent meta-analysis, published in the scientific journal Systematic Reviews, did a thorough analysis on the relation between alcohol consumption and cognition. Results show slightly better cognition among women who drink in moderation compared to those who currently do not drink. However, the authors emphasize that it is unknown whether this is due to the alcohol itself or due to limitations in study designs.
Research grant € 5,000
The Dutch Beer Institute yearly offers a grant of € 5,000 to support a research project. This project should focus on biomedical, nutritional or (psycho-)social aspects of responsible alcohol consumption, specifically taking into account (non-alcoholic) beer.
What is the link between moderate alcohol consumption and dementia?
Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of dementia. But meta-analyses show that the association between alcohol consumption and dementia is not linear, which suggests a possible protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption. A recently published review in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment argues that the epidemiological studies are not sufficient to verify a protective effect of alcohol on dementia development. But there are some possible physiological explanations.
Meta-analysis finds J-shaped relation between alcohol consumption and CVD risk for men in community settings
A recently published meta-analysis in BMC Public Health tries to assess whether the protective effects of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease are true for people living in community settings. Results show the traditional J-curve with protective effects of moderate alcohol consumption for men. However, no protective effects are found for men with three or more comorbidities and people younger than 40 years.
COVID-19: how does alcohol consumption affect the immune system?
With the COVID 19 virus having a major effect on public health, the topic of how to strengthen our immune system has received extra attention. So, what is the effect of alcohol consumption on our immune system? Looking at the science, there is consensus that chronic heavy alcohol consumption has a detrimental effect on our immune system, but this does not seem to be the case for moderate alcohol consumption. Moderation remains key.
Myths about the relation between alcohol and COVID-19
In these turbulent and uncertain times, stories quickly circulate about the COVID-19 virus, whether they are true or not. This also applies to its relation with alcohol consumption. The WHO has released a report that debunks a couple of myths.
What is the relation between alcohol consumption and depression? A meta-analysis
Does alcohol consumption influence the risk of depression? A recent meta-analysis, published in the scientific journal Addiction, finds a J-shaped relation: low alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of depression, while high alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk, although insignificant. However, the risk of depression increases by almost 60% for people with alcohol use disorder.
Does alcohol consumption influence what we eat? A systematic-review
Previous research found that moderate alcohol consumption can lead to an increase in food energy intake. But what about the intake of specific macronutrients such as carbs, fat and protein? A recent systematic review, published in Obesity Reviews, found that there seems to be a dose-dependent effect on macronutrient intake. The decrease in carbohydrate intake with heavier alcohol consumption was most consistent.
