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To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Friday, June 28, 2013

Critique 115: Potential association of alcohol consumption with diverticulosis — 25 June 2013





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The etiology of diverticulosis of the colon is poorly understood. Many, but not all, studies suggest that low fiber intake and obesity increase the risk. The large Health Professional Follow-up Study of almost 50,000 subjects found a lower risk to be associated with increased physical exercise and the intake of soluble fiber, and no increase from alcohol consumption.

This paper tests the cross-sectional association of alcohol consumption with diverticulosis among 746 asymptomatic consecutive subjects undergoing screening colonoscopies in Lebanon. In a pre-screening questionnaire, subjects reported the intake of several dietary constituents, as well as alcohol, with about one-half of subjects being lifetime abstainers. Most of the “drinkers” stated that they consumed alcohol occasionally or < 1 drink/day; only about 10% reported one or more drinks/day. No data on type of beverage or pattern of drinking were available. From their cross-sectional analyses, the authors conclude that alcohol consumption raises the risk of diverticulosis.  > > > >  Read More