A recent study led by psychologist Tim Stockwell and epidemiologist Jinhui Zhao from the University of Victoria in Canada has cast doubt on the idea that alcohol consumption in moderation can be good for you, and even extend your life. The team conducted a meta-analysis of 107 scientific studies that investigated the association between alcohol consumption and the risk of death from any cause. They found that many of these studies may be based on flawed research methods, leading to misleading conclusions.
Quality of Studies
The researchers split the studies into two categories based on quality. “High quality” studies were defined as those with an average cohort age of 55 years or younger, follow-up extending beyond age 55, and the exclusion of former or occasional drinkers from the reference group. By doing this, they aimed to eliminate the “abstainer bias” that can skew results by including individuals who have quit drinking for health reasons in the control group.
Abstainer bias occurs when individuals who have stopped drinking due to health issues are included in the control group of a study. This can make moderate drinkers appear healthier in comparison, as former heavy drinkers who have quit may still face health problems related to their past alcohol consumption. Studies that do not account for this bias are more likely to show a link between alcohol consumption and longevity.
Stockwell and his team concluded from their meta-analysis that there is no completely “safe” level of drinking. They found that the average relative risk of death from any cause was higher among low-volume drinkers in studies that met their criteria for high quality. This challenges the idea that moderate alcohol consumption is beneficial for longevity.
The researchers also highlighted the importance of considering smoking and socioeconomic status in studies on alcohol and mortality. Smoking is linked to both drinking and higher mortality rates, and not all studies adequately account for this factor. Additionally, one study found that high alcohol consumption increased mortality risk in low socioeconomic status individuals, suggesting that the relationship between SES and alcohol-related mortality needs further investigation.
Criticism and Conflicts of Interest
Stockwell and Zhao have faced criticism for their research from the International Scientific Forum on Alcohol Research (ISFAR), whose directors have ties to the alcohol industry. While it’s easy to dismiss criticism from those with financial motives, it’s important to address concerns raised by fellow scientists. The authors have responded to criticisms and defended their methodology, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in alcohol research.
The idea that alcohol can be good for you in moderation and extend your life may not be as sound as previously thought. Flawed research methods, including abstainer bias and inadequate control for confounding factors like smoking and socioeconomic status, can lead to misleading conclusions. It is crucial for future studies to address these issues and provide a more accurate understanding of the relationship between alcohol consumption and longevity.
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