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Alcoholic beverages as a source of estrogens
1Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, University of Oklahoma College of Public Health, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Alcohol Health and Research World
|February 15, 2005
Summary
Alcoholic beverages contain phytoestrogens, which are estrogen-like compounds. These compounds in drinks like beer and wine can cause estrogen-like effects in both animals and humans, even at moderate consumption levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Alcoholic beverages contain congeners besides ethanol.
- Plants used in alcoholic beverage production possess phytoestrogens.
- Observed feminization in men with alcoholic cirrhosis suggests potential estrogenic activity in alcoholic beverages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and biological activity of phytoestrogens in alcoholic beverages.
- To determine if phytoestrogens in alcoholic beverages exert estrogen-like effects.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical analysis to identify phytoestrogens in bourbon, beer, and wine congeners.
- In vivo studies using ovariectomized rats and postmenopausal women to assess estrogenic effects.
Main Results:
- Phytoestrogens were identified in the congeners of bourbon, beer, and wine.
- Estrogen-like effects were observed in both animal models (rats) and human subjects (postmenopausal women).
- These effects occurred even with moderate consumption levels of alcoholic beverages.
Conclusions:
- Alcoholic beverages contain biologically active phytoestrogens.
- Phytoestrogens in alcoholic beverages can induce estrogen-like physiological effects.
- Moderate alcohol consumption may lead to endocrine disruption due to phytoestrogen content.