News
More research needed on alcohol and osteoporosis
A new meta-analysis suggests that 1-2 drinks a day increases the risk of osteoporosis with 34% compared to abstainers. With 2 or more drinks a day, the risk increases to 63%. Sounds pretty much! But is it true? The article is published in the scientific journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, but has so many shortcomings that it actually only highlights the confusion there can be about osteoporosis.
Alcohol consumption associated with decreased risk of gallstone disease
Could alcohol consumption decrease the risk of gallstone disease? A recent meta-analysis, published in the scientific journal Gut and Liver, confirms that alcohol consumption is associated with a decreased risk of gallstone disease; indicating alcohol could have a preventive effect. But whether there is an optimal alcohol dose remains unclear.
First meta-analysis studies association between alcohol consumption and risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease
It is said avoiding specific food groups, including alcohol, might help relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux. However, the evidence is contradictory. A recent meta-analysis, published in the scientific journal Alcohol and Alcoholism, found an increased risk of acid reflux for Asian, but not for European people.
Consistent moderate drinking pattern associated with lower risk for heart disease
The J-shaped curve between alcohol consumption and coronary heart disease has been challenged in many ways. According to a meta-analysis examining long-term data from 35.000 people, moderate alcohol consumption is indeed associated with a lower risk for coronary heart disease compared to non-drinking. However, results suggest consistency matters. When people have an unstable drinking pattern over time, there is an elevated risk at heart disease. The article was published in the scientific journal BMC Medicine.
Meta-analysis finds association between alcohol consumption and food energy intake
Does alcohol consumption make you eat more? And is there a difference is dose-response? A recent systematic review and meta-analysis1, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, tried to find answers to these questions. The results suggest that even relatively modest alcohol consumption may lead to an increase in food consumption.
Light to moderate alcohol consumption associated with decreased risk of dementia
Alcohol has been identified as one of the risk factor for dementia and cognitive decline. However, it might not be this black and white, as moderate consumption has been associated with beneficial effects. A recent scoping review looked at the evidence of 28 systematic reviews to get a better understanding of this possible dose-response relationship. The study was published in the scientific journal Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy.
Meta-analysis finds association between alcohol consumption and tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a major health problem in low and middle income countries. A new meta-analysis, published in the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, investigates the association between alcohol consumption and tuberculosis. Based on mainly Asian data, results show that alcohol is an important risk factor for tuberculosis.
Moderate alcohol consumption might lower the risk of erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the most frequently diagnosed sexual dysfunction among older men. A new meta-analysis investigating the association between alcohol consumption and erectile dysfunction is published in the International Journal of Impotence Research. Results show that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of erectile dysfunction. Underlying mechanisms might be related to mechanisms in cardiovascular disease.
New study investigates association between alcohol and lung cancer among smokers
The association between alcohol consumption and lung cancer is still unclear. A new study investigates this association and also looks at the interaction of alcohol and smoking. Results show that alcohol consumption does not increase the risk of lung cancer. The combination of alcohol and smoking is associated with a strong increase in the risk of lung cancer. The study is recently published in the scientific journal Cancer Epidemiology.
Meta-analysis reinvestigates association between alcohol consumption and Parkinson’s disease
A recently published meta-analysis combines data of 26 studies to reinvestigate the association between alcohol consumption and Parkinson’s disease. The results, published in the scientific Journal of Neurology, do not show a clear association. The researchers suggest that a well-executed large cohort study could give more insight in the association.
