|
|
A new clinical study by an international research team shows that moderate alcohol consumption of up to 40 grams per day increases the concentration of certain proteins in the blood that are beneficial to humans. These proteins are primarily Apolipoprotein A-I and Apolipoprotein A-II. These proteins play a crucial role in lipoprotein metabolism and could explain the protective effects of moderate alcohol consumption on the cardiovascular system.
Apolipoprotein A-I is the main component of "good" HDL cholesterol, which plays a central role in cholesterol transport. It transports excess cholesterol from atherosclerotic deposits to the liver, where it is excreted via bile. An increased level of Apolipoprotein A-I is therefore considered a key factor for cardiovascular protection through moderate alcohol consumption.
The scientific evaluation of the study is positive, as it is based on clinical investigations and therefore does not suffer from the usual methodological limitations of epidemiological studies. These can include inaccurate self-reports or biases from former alcoholics ("Sick Quitters").
Although the summarized results of the analysis were rated as "low" to "very low," mainly due to a lack of detailed information in the studies examined, experts consider the observed increase in Apolipoprotein A-I to be a real effect. This assumption is supported by numerous epidemiological and clinical studies.
The authors emphasize that further research is needed for Apolipoprotein B. This protein is responsible for the transport of LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") and also plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases.
The investigation suggests that the positive effects of Apolipoprotein A-I apply to both men and women, with the significance being somewhat more pronounced in men. Furthermore, this mechanism could not only protect against cardiovascular diseases but also play a role in other chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
This new analysis helps to better understand the biological mechanisms behind the health effects of moderate alcohol consumption. Nevertheless, it remains important to consider individual health factors and potential risks associated with alcohol consumption, the scientists say.
The study was published in March 2025 in the International Scientific Forum on Alcohol Research.
(ru / International Scientific Forum on Alcohol Research)