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Alcohol Consumption and a Decline in Glomerular Filtration Rate: The Japan Specific Health Checkups Study
Yoshiki Kimura1,2, Ryohei Yamamoto1,3, Maki Shinzawa1
1Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan.
Nutrients
|March 29, 2023
Summary
Heavy alcohol consumption significantly accelerates kidney function decline in men, while moderate intake shows no effect. Rare drinking also impacts kidney function in both sexes, but the effect is less pronounced in women.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Conflicting evidence exists regarding alcohol's impact on kidney function.
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a key indicator of kidney health.
- Understanding alcohol's dose-dependent effects on GFR is crucial for public health guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between alcohol consumption levels and the rate of estimated GFR (eGFR) decline.
- To assess potential dose-dependent relationships in a large cohort.
- To examine these associations separately in men and women.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 304,929 adults aged 40-74 in Japan (2008-2011).
- Linear mixed-effects models used to analyze the slope of eGFR over a median 1.9-year follow-up.
- Adjustments made for relevant clinical factors.
Main Results:
- In men, rare and heavy daily drinkers (≥60 g/day) showed significantly faster eGFR decline compared to occasional drinkers.
- An inverse U-shaped association was observed between alcohol consumption and eGFR slope in men.
- In women, only rare drinkers exhibited a lower eGFR slope than occasional drinkers.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol consumption is associated with kidney function decline in a sex-specific, inverse U-shaped manner in men.
- Rare alcohol consumption may also negatively impact kidney function in both sexes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms and long-term consequences.
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