Italian statisticians and epidemiologists have conducted a ‘meta-analysis’ embracing 34 different studies in various countries on the relation between alcohol consumption and mortality (death). The conclusion is clear: moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of death, excessive drinking reduces life expectancy.

The total number of men and women involved in the meta-analysis exceeded one million, with a death rate of more than 94 000 during the 34 individual studies.

The familiar J curve of the relation between consumption and health effect was confirmed: compared with total abstainers, a consumption of 1-2 drinks per day for women and 2-4 for men was associated with a lesser risk of death, whereas a higher consumption corresponded with a higher death rate. For moderate consumption the curves fell for men and women alike, but the useful inverse relation between quantity of alcohol and death disappeared more swiftly among women than among men at a lower daily alcohol intake. This is most likely because of the weaker enzyme activity for the decomposition of alcohol in the female stomach wall

In conclusion the researchers say that heavy drinkers should moderate their drinking while moderate drinkers are best advised not to change their ways.

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