Moderate alcohol consumption: effects on lipids and cardiovascular disease risk.
Light to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, as well as ischaemic stroke and possibly type 2 diabetes. Epidemiological and physiological data are in favour of a causal relationship. Proposed protective mechanisms include the stimulation of HDL-mediated processes such as reverse cholesterol transport and antioxidative effects. More well-controlled studies are needed to provide a complete understanding of the complexity of the underlying physiological mechanisms.
van Tol
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A
Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.VANTOL@BC1.FGG.UER.NL
Hendriks
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HF
D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000517:prevention & control; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control
D008055:Lipids; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D000431:Ethanol