A recent study published in the journal BMC Public Health analyzed data from 50,588 individuals to explore the relationship between alcohol consumption, longevity, and health outcomes. The findings revealed a notable association: alcohol consumption was clearly linked to negative effects on longevity.
Specifically, moderate to heavy drinkers exhibited significantly lower levels of α-Klotho, a key factor influencing not only lifespan but also the rate of biological aging, cognitive function, and behavioral performance.
As alcohol intake increased, α-Klotho levels decreased at a faster rate, indicating an accelerated biological aging process in drinkers.
The study also highlighted the detrimental effects of alcohol consumption on human health:
Significant cardiovascular damage
Excessive alcohol intake is a leading cause of hypertension and elevated blood lipid levels. Prolonged alcohol use can damage the inner lining of blood vessels and accelerate atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Brain health impacts
Long-term alcohol use can lead to atherosclerosis of the cerebral arteries, affecting blood and oxygen supply to the brain, thereby promoting degeneration and aging in critical areas of the brain.
Liver and muscle damage
Regular alcohol consumption can result in serious issues such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy, liver disease, muscle loss, and other health problems.
Does drinking less cause less harm?
To better understand the relationship between alcohol consumption and longevity, let’s delve into some specific studies.
A research team from Peking University conducted a long-term survey of 38,888 drinkers and found that regardless of the amount consumed, the health and longevity impacts varied.
Specifically, male drinkers had an 18% higher risk of mortality compared to non-drinkers, with a 19% higher risk of cardiovascular death, a 51% higher risk of liver-related death, and an 18% higher risk of cancer-related death.
Additionally, the study indicated that for every 100 grams of alcohol consumed weekly, there was a 7% increase in the risk of death from all causes and a 12% increase in the risk of alcohol-related cancer deaths.
These data serve as a stark reminder that the connection between alcohol consumption and longevity may be closer than we think. Any amount of alcohol can increase health risks, especially for long-term drinkers, as health issues may accumulate over time.
