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Alcohol as a modifiable lifestyle factor affecting multiple sclerosis risk.
Anna Karin Hedström1, Jan Hillert2, Tomas Olsson2
1Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
JAMA Neurology
|January 8, 2014
Summary
Moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). This inverse association was dose-dependent and also appeared to lessen the detrimental effects of smoking in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Lifestyle Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease with complex etiology.
- Alcohol consumption is a modifiable lifestyle factor with potential influence on MS risk, though previous research yielded inconsistent results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing MS.
- To examine how alcohol consumption modifies the impact of smoking on MS risk.
Main Methods:
- Two large Swedish population-based case-control studies (EIMS and GEMS) were utilized.
- Data from 745-5874 MS cases and 1761-5246 controls were analyzed.
- Participants were aged 16-70 years, and controls were matched for age, sex, and residential area.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant, dose-dependent inverse association was observed between alcohol consumption and MS risk in both sexes.
- High alcohol consumption was associated with reduced odds of developing MS (ORs ranging from 0.5 to 0.7).
- The negative impact of smoking on MS risk was less pronounced in individuals who consumed alcohol.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol consumption demonstrates a dose-dependent inverse relationship with the risk of developing MS.
- Alcohol intake may attenuate the adverse effects of smoking on MS development.
- Findings suggest that complete alcohol abstinence may not be necessary for individuals with MS.
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