Alcohol - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Previous Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (2012) established a baseline for alcohol and health research.
• Updated evidence is crucial for understanding alcohol's impact on health outcomes in Nordic and Baltic regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of updated evidence on alcohol consumption and health outcomes.
• Focus on cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality relevant to Nordic and Baltic populations.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review of scientific literature published up to May 31, 2021.
• Analysis of observational epidemiological studies and Mendelian randomization studies.
• Consideration of methodological limitations and socio-economic factors.

Main Results:

• Observational studies suggest moderate alcohol intake may protect against myocardial infarction (MI) and type 2 diabetes.
• Mendelian randomization studies provide less consistent support, potentially due to challenges in assessing low alcohol intake.
• No safe alcohol limit for several cancer types; light to moderate intake not linked to increased all-cause mortality in non-binge drinkers.
• Total alcohol abstinence is associated with the lowest mortality risk in young adults.

Conclusions:

• Alcohol's effect on health is complex, influenced by intake levels, drinking patterns, and socio-economic status.
• Methodological challenges in observational studies complicate definitive causal links.
• Evidence suggests potential benefits of moderate consumption for specific conditions, but risks, particularly for cancer, remain significant.