[Alcohol intake--a two-edged sword. Part 2: Protective effects of alcohol and recommendations for its safe use]

Med Monatsschr Pharm. 2012 Sep;35(9):314-7.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Excessive alcohol consumption causes numerous complications. However, alcohol does not only show adverse side effects: Moderate alcohol consumption improves the lipid profile as well as the insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, diabetes mellitus type 2 and gall stones. Further, total mortality is decreased. Weighing benefits and risks women should limit alcohol consumption to 10-12 g alcohol/day and men to 20-24 g alcohol/day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not drink alcohol at all.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects*
  • Alcohol Drinking / blood*
  • Alcohol Drinking / mortality
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / mortality
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / prevention & control*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Gallstones / blood*
  • Gallstones / mortality
  • Gallstones / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Lipids / blood*
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk Factors
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Lipids