New meta-analysis supports protection of moderate drinkers from coronary artery disease
The J-shaped association between the risk of coronary artery disease and moderate drinking was confirmed by the current meta-analysis.
Chinese researchers quantified the dose-response association between the consumption of alcoholic beverages and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a meta-analysis which included 18 prospective studies, with a total of 214 340 participants and 7756 CAD cases.
The results showed a nonlinear J-shaped association between the intake of alcoholic beverages and the risk of CAD: compared to non-drinkers, the risk of CAD was decreased by 25% for 12 grams of alcohol/day, by 30% for 24 g/d, by 31% for 36 g/d, by 30% for 60 g/d, by 26% for 90 g/d.
The scientists concluded that the lowest risk of CAD was observed at 36 g of alcohol/d.
Yang Y, Liu DC, Wang QM, et al. Alcohol consumption and risk of coronary artery disease: A dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. Nutrition 2015 Dec 19. [Epub ahead of print]
For more information about this article, read the scientific abstract here