BACKGROUND: In observational studies, moderate drinking is associated with a reduced risk of more than twenty different diseases and health problems. However, it would be premature to conclude that there is a causal relationship. METHOD: This paper critically reviews the evidence for such associations. FINDINGS: It was found that reasons for questioning the causal association of moderate drinking and a reduced health risk are: the lack of dose-response relationships; the characteristics and lifestyles of today's abstainers and moderate drinkers; the lack of plausible biological mechanisms; the problems in the classification of drinking groups, and; the general limitations of observational studies. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for the harmful effects of alcohol is undoubtedly stronger than the evidence for beneficial effects.
BACKGROUND: In observational studies, moderate drinking is associated with a reduced risk of more than twenty different diseases and health problems. However, it would be premature to conclude that there is a causal relationship. METHOD: This paper critically reviews the evidence for such associations. FINDINGS: It was found that reasons for questioning the causal association of moderate drinking and a reduced health risk are: the lack of dose-response relationships; the characteristics and lifestyles of today's abstainers and moderate drinkers; the lack of plausible biological mechanisms; the problems in the classification of drinking groups, and; the general limitations of observational studies. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for the harmful effects of alcohol is undoubtedly stronger than the evidence for beneficial effects.
Authors: Solveig A Cunningham; Aleena Mosher; Suzanne E Judd; Lisa M Matz; Edmond K Kabagambe; Claudia S Moy; Virginia J Howard Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2018-04-16 Impact factor: 4.077
Authors: Darren R Brenner; Tiffany R Haig; Abbey E Poirier; Alianu Akawung; Christine M Friedenreich; Paula J Robson Journal: Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can Date: 2017-12 Impact factor: 3.240