Search resultsInfluence of alcohol consumption on immunological status: A review
Title
Influence of alcohol consumption on immunological status: A review
Publication type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2002
Authors
Journal
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Volume
56
Issue
SUPPL. 3
Pagination
S50 - S53
Date published
2002
ISBN
09543007 (ISSN)
Keywords
age, alcohol consumption, Alcohol Drinking, Alcoholism, Antibody Formation, antibody production, antioxidant, article, cell activity, cell count, cell damage, cell interaction, cell protection, cellular distribution, cellular immunity, controlled study, cytokine, Cytokines, dietary intake, dose response, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, drinking behavior, drug effect, Exercise, Female, gender, human, Humans, humoral immunity, Immune function, immune response, immune system, Immunity, Cellular, immunocompetent cell, Immunology, Life Style, lifestyle, male, medical literature, nutritional status, pathophysiology, physiology, review, risk assessment, risk factor, Risk Factors, sex difference, Sex Factors, smoking, smoking habit, wine
Abstract
The aim of this review is to present and discuss the effect of different levels of alcohol consumption on the immune system. Not only the amount consumed but also the type of alcoholic beverage have to be taken into account in order to determine the consequences on activity, number, distribution, balance, interaction and response of immunocompetent cells. The association between alcohol exposure and the risk of developing an alcohol-related disease is multifactorial. In fact, age, gender, smoking habits, dietary intake and exercise are involved among other factors. The evaluation of the host cellular and humoral immune responses has shown that alcohol may induce some benefits when consumption is moderate. Moreover, those alcoholic beverages that contain antioxidants, such as red wine, could be protectors against immune cell damage. According to the literature consulted, the daily consumption of 10-12 g and 20-24 g of alcohol for women and men, respectively, is considered to be a moderate intake; the type of beverage has been established not to be important when defining moderation. Particular attention is often focused on the U- or J-shaped curve which also suggests that light to moderate drinking produces a protective effect. Such an inverse relationship indicates a reduction of risk for both light and moderate consumers and a higher risk not only for hard drinkers, but also for non-consumers.