Changes in postprandial lipoproteins of low and high density caused by moderate alcohol consumption with dinner

We measured the effects of consumption of moderate amounts of beer, wine or spirits with evening dinner on plasma LDL and HDL levels as well as composition in 11 healthy middle-aged men. Forty grams of alcohol were consumed daily with dinner for a period of 3 weeks. Mineral water was used as a negative control. Dinner was served at 6 pm and blood samples were obtained at 1 h before and 3, 5, 9, and 13 h after the start of the meal. No differences were detected between the effects of the different alcohol-containing beverages. Plasma levels of triglycerides (TG), measured 1 h before dinner were very variable and higher than fasting values (means of 2.2 and 1.5 mM, respectively). Daily consumption of 40 g of alcohol with dinner resulted in increased postprandial plasma TG levels and decreased low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations. These effects were transient and observed at 11 pm (TG) and 9 pm and 11 pm (LDL). In contrast, high density lipoproteins (HDL) were raised by alcohol intake at all time points analysed. HDL composition was changed by alcohol consumption, resulting in a raised HDL-cholesterol/apo A-I ratio at 5 pm and 9 pm. The observed alcohol-dependent effects on plasma HDL and LDL during the postprandial phase are considered anti-atherogenic and may contribute to the observed protection against coronary heart disease by moderate alcohol consumption.