The news regarding beer drinking and liver health is mixed. While the world is well acquainted with the widely publicized health benefits of moderate wine consumption, there may also be some health benefits from moderate beer drinking. On the other hand, there is evidence that any beer consumption is unhealthy, particularly for women and particularly with regard to liver cancer risk.
Fatty Liver Disease
NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by the build-up of fat in the liver. Under a microscope, NAFLD liver cells are similar in appearance to cirrhosis-infected livers. A research team reporting in July 2008 issue of the "Journal of Hepatology" reports that NAFLD is the most common liver disease in the United States, with more than 40 million adults affected. The team analyzed data from 12,000 study participants and looked at drinkers who consume 12 oz. of beer per day. The researchers discovered that beer drinkers are 27 percent less likely to get NAFLD than non-drinkers.
More Good News
"The Doctor Will See You Now" website reported in February 2011 on a report published by the American Dietetic Association. The report compares and contrasts wine and beer drinking; pronouncing beer the clear winner from a nutritional standpoint. Beer provides additional vitamins and minerals -- and more importantly, from the standpoint of liver health, beer contains about two grams of soluble fiber. The April 1988 issue of "Lipids" describes the role of dietary fiber in removing toxins from the digestive tract before they can reach and damage the liver.
Liver Cancer Risk
According to the World Cancer Research Fund or WCRF, the risk of developing liver cancer increases by up to 20 percent in people who drink a daily pint of beer. The WCRF coordinates a global network of cancer charities. Dr. Rachel Thompson of WCRF discussed the charity's findings in a news report published on "The Guardian News" website December 2008. Dr. Thompson recommends that people not drink at all, or to limit consumption to two units a day for a man or one for a woman. One unit equals half a pint of normal strength beer.
Worse for Women
Researchers from the University of Oxford are adamant that even light beer drinking raises a woman's risk significantly for common cancers, including liver cancer. The researchers analyzed data gleaned from the Million Women Study. The Million Women Study is a study involving one million British women aged 50 and over. According to their analysis, an additional one out of every thousand women will get liver cancer compared to men who consumed just one unit of beer per day. The research is reported in a February 2009 article also posted on "The Guardian News" website.
References
- "Journal of Hepatology"; Increased Overall Mortality and Liver-related Mortality in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Janus Ong; July 2008
- "The Doctor Will See You Now"; The Good News About Beer; Beth Fontenot; January 13, 2011
- "Lipids"; Dietary Fiber Supplements: Effects on Serum and Liver Lipids and on Liver Phospholipids; David Kritchevsky et al.; April 1988
- "The Guardian"; Pint of Beer Raises Cancer Risk by One Fifth Says Expert; Jane Kirby; December 27, 2008
- "The Guardian"; Even Small Amounts of Alcohol Increase a Woman's Risk of Cancer; Ian Sample; February 24, 2009
