Heavy versus moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages: opposing effects on fatty liver disease
In obese individuals, the moderate intake of alcoholic beverages may protect from fatty liver disease.
The relation between habitual intake of alcoholic beverages and obesity in the development of fatty liver disease was assessed by Japanese researchers. 8,029 subjects undergoing abdominal ultrasonography were enrolled in the study. Moderate intake of alcoholic beverages was a significant protective factor for fatty liver in both male and female obese subjects. However, the results showed that heavy alcohol intake (more than 50 g/day) was a significant risk factor for fatty liver in all women and in non-obese males, excluding though obese males where inverse relation was observed.
Takahashi H, Ono M, Hyogo H, et al. Biphasic effect of alcohol intake on the development of fatty liver disease. J Gastroenterol. 2015 Mar 3. [Epub ahead of print]
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