Moderate alcohol consumption and diseases of the gastrointestinal system: A review of pathophysiological processes

Background/Aims: Alcohol drinking is responsible for a number of gastrointestinal diseases and cancers. Although heavy drinking episodes and chronic drinking are well linked to mechanisms of disease, moderate alcohol consumption and its effects are less well known. This review attempts to fill a gap in the literature surrounding moderate alcohol consumption. Methods: A systematic review of the English literature using PubMed was used. Results: A dose-response risk relationship exists between alcohol consumption and digestive disease risk. Acetaldehyde is the main factor in alcohol-related damage in moderate alcohol consumption and acts through numerous methods to exert damaging effects. Conclusion: Zero alcohol intake is recommended for lowest risk of alcohol-related digestive tract diseases and conditions. However, given the lowest overall mortality is associated with moderate drinking, moderate drinking with no bingeing episodes is recommended. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.