Many studies examining the connection between liver disease and alcohol focus on the amount of alcohol consumed. We took a different approach and focused on alcohol consumption patterns and found that this was a better predictor of liver disease risk than quantity alone.
Linda Ng Fat, author of the study, in a statement from University College London
The research looks at the practice called “binge drinking.” (continuous drinking in a short period of time), comparing weekly consumption and daily consumption.
Average alcohol consumption was divided into four groups in the survey: those who drink within the limit (less than 24g for women and 32g for men); above limit but below binge (24 g to 48 g for women and 32 g to 64 g for men); “Binge” (48g to 72g for women and 64g to 96g for men); and severe binge (more than 72 g in women and more than 96 g in men).
Around 20% of the population drinks to a tolerable extent, while 42% drink above limits. Already 23% binge, the remaining 15% binge severely, according to the study.
Results with and without genetic factor. In summary, the research found that those who consumed excessive amounts of alcohol every day at some point during the week were three times more likely to develop alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The study also concluded that those who drink excessively and have a certain genetic makeup are six times more likely to develop alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
Search in numbers. Healthy adults who drank more than the daily limit but less than binge drinkers had a 1.33 increased risk of liver diseases such as cirrhosis and fatty liver disease. Those who experienced the binge had twice the risk, 2.37. For those who engaged in severe binge eating, the risk was 3.85.