The association between alcohol and metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Some studies have shown that there is a relationship between alcohol and metabolic syndrome, and some studies have not found an association; considering the importance of this issue, the aim of this study is to review all the studies related to alcohol and its relationship with metabolic syndrome and to update the information.

PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched to identify studies on the association between alcohol and metabolic syndrome from January 1, 2000 through August 13, 2023. The pooled OR and the 95% confidence intervals were used to measure the association between alcohol and metabolic syndrome by assuming a random effects meta-analytic model. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

A total of 62 studies were included. In the association between use of alcohol and metabolic syndrome, the pooled OR for cross-sectional studies was 1.12 [95% CI: 1.07, 1.18] and the pooled OR for cohort studies was 1.12 [95% CI: 1.06, 1.18]. In cohort and cross-sectional studies, the association between alcohol dose and metabolic syndrome, was not significant. For the association between frequency of alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome, the pooled OR for under 1 to 2 times a week, 2 times to 7 times a week and above 7 drink/week were 0.85 [95% CI: 0.78, 0.93], 0.80 [95% CI: 0.63, 1.01] and 1.02 [95% CI: 0.41, 2.56], respectively.

This study showed a positive relationship between alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, it is recommended that further studies be conducted to accurately evaluate alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome components, and for evaluate reducing or stopping alcohol consumption on metabolic syndrome, it is better to conduct clinical trial studies in the future.