However, new studies show that small amounts of alcohol may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes for people over the age of 40 who do not have an underlying health condition.
Emmanuela Gakidu, a senior author and professor of health index science at the Institute for Health Metrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, said:
“Therefore, especially when looking at the cumulative health effects of the elderly, we find that small doses are actually better than not drinking. For all other causes, harmful at all levels of consumption. is.”
In fact, this study found no protective effect against diseases such as tuberculosis, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, liver disease, epilepsy, pancreatitis, and many cancers.
“Both global and domestic alcohol guidelines usually emphasize the differences in consumption levels between women and men,” Gakidou said. “Our work suggests that global, national, and local guidelines are more effective at emphasizing age rather than gender.”
The findings emphasize “the importance of alcohol recommendations tailored to specific regions and populations,” Amanda Berger, vice president of science and health at the US industry group Distilled Spirits Council, told CNN in an email.
“The important thing is that no one should drink alcohol for potential health benefits, and some individuals should not drink it at all.”
The highest risk is under 40 years old
Analysis shows that in 2020, 1.34 billion people worldwide consumed harmful amounts of alcohol. More than 59% of those who drank dangerous amounts of alcohol were 15-39. More than two-thirds were men.
Studies have shown that in all regions, drinking alcohol does not provide health benefits to people under the age of 40, but increases the risk of injuries such as car accidents, suicides and murders.
In this study, a standard drink was defined as 10 grams of pure alcohol. This could be a small red wine of 3.4 fl oz (100 ml), a standard can of 12 fl oz (355 ml) or a bottle of beer (3.5% alcohol). ) Or a shot of 1 ounce of spirits (30 ml). The alcohol content is 40%.
Criticized conclusion
While praising the successful analysis, some experts not involved in the study expressed concern about the conclusions of the study.
According to statistics, Colin Angus, a senior researcher at the Sheffield Alcohol Research Group at the University of the United Kingdom, said, “In the United Kingdom, there are more than 14 times more alcohol-related deaths between the ages of 20 and 24 and between the ages of 70 and 74. “. In a statement from Shefield. “This data is inconsistent with the claim that this new study should focus on drinking in the younger age group,” Angus said.
“The elephants in this study room are an interpretation of the risks, especially based on the outcome of cardiovascular disease in the elderly,” said Dr. Tony Lao, a clinical researcher at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College. It states. London.
“The health benefits of alcohol in the heart and circulatory system are commensurate with the increased risk of other conditions such as cancer, liver disease, and mental disorders such as depression and dementia,” Lao said in a statement. I know. “
“The recommendation that people under the age of 40 never drink alcohol is completely unrealistic,” said Matt Lambert, CEO of Portman Group, an industry-funded group that regulates alcohol marketing in the United Kingdom, in an email. rice field.
Gakidou, the lead author of the study, said, “It is not realistic to think that young adults will stop drinking, but nevertheless, provide up-to-date evidence so that everyone can make informed decisions about their health. I think it’s important. “
For people over the age of 65, increased drinking is a concern. Because many older people “have a health condition that interacts with alcohol and can be aggravated by alcohol, and use drugs that are susceptible to alcohol-related falls and other accidental injuries. “NIAA said.
“There is a high threshold for alcohol to be an effective preventative therapy, and previous studies have not reached that threshold. If so, the beverage industry will apply to the FDA. Probably a license. ” Dr. Nick Sheron, a professor of liver at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom, said.
“More detailed and subtle analysis”
“What we have done in this new study is a more detailed and subtle analysis of 21 different regions of the world,” Gakidou said. “What we can do now is break it down. Who is harmful to alcohol and who is beneficial to alcohol? So the message comes up as different, but in fact I said before. Is consistent with.
“If you ask me,’Will the message change in 10 years?’ Maybe new evidence will come out,” he said. “It may change our way of thinking.”
Source: www.cnn.com
