| Drinking alcohol in moderate quantities can reduce the risk of asthma, according to Danish researchers. |
The study, which will be presented today (25 September 2011) at the European Respiratory Society’s Annual Congress in Amsterdam, found that drinking 1–6 units of alcohol a week could reduce the risk of developing the condition.
The research examined 19,349 twins between the ages of 12 and 41 yrs of age. All participants completed a questionnaire at the start and end of the study to compare alcohol intake with the risk of developing asthma over 8 yrs.
The results showed that the lowest risk of asthma was seen in the group which had a moderate intake of alcohol, as less than 4% of those who drank 1–6 units per week developed asthma.
The highest risk of asthma was observed in people who drunk rarely or never, as they were 1.4-times more likely to develop the condition. Heavy drinkers also had an increased risk of asthma development and were 1.2-times more likely to develop asthma.
The results also suggested that a preference for beer drinking was associated with an increased risk of asthma when compared with no preference.
Previous studies have found a link between excessive intake of alcohol and asthma attacks; however, this is the first study of its kind to show a link between alcohol intake and the onset of asthma for adults over a long period of time. > > > > Read More
