What is it?
Alcohol, generally used in the production of is produced by fermentation of sugars contained in fruits, grains or stems such as sugarcane. In most countries it is considered a licit drug, although it is a psychoactive drug of the depressive type. It has 7 kcal for every gram consumed.
Alcohol and Liver
One of the main organs affected by excessive consumption is the liver. Its primary effect is the excessive accumulation of lipids, even progressive fibrosis and may reach cirrhosis, in its most advanced stage. One of the main causes of these negative effects is a metabolite of alcohol, acetaldehyde, whose metabolization site is the liver.
Alcohol and Lipid Metabolism
Alcohol intake can increase the absorption of fatty acids in the gut, reduce its oxidation, increase lipogenesis (synthesis of fatty acids and triglycerides) and reduce the export of VLDL. All these effects increase the accumulation of fat in the liver and can lead to alcoholic liver satoasis.
What is the safe dose of consumption?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no pattern of alcohol consumption that is absolutely safe and without harm to health. What exists is the so-called “moderate consumption”, which leads to low risk of developing related health problems. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism advises women to limit their consumption to one dose per day, and men to up to two doses a day. It is important to remember that in situations called “Zero Alcohol”, such as for children under 18 years of age, pregnant women, alcohol addicts and people who will drive vehicles, any consumption of ethanol is unacceptable.
References
Article: Jeon S, Carr R. Alcohol effects on hepatic lipid metabolism. J Lipid Res
. 2020;61(4):470-479. doi:10.1194/jlr. R119000547
Reading suggestion:
Impact of alcohol consumption on food choices
