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Beer drinkers have lower-quality diets, are less active, and are more likely to smoke cigarettes than people who drink wine, liquor, or a combination, according to a study scheduled for presentation at The Liver Meeting, held by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

“Alcohol overuse is the leading cause of cirrhosis in the U.S., and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is rapidly increasing,” said Madeline Novack, chief resident at Tulane School of Medicine’s internal medicine residency program and lead author of the study. “Both types of liver disease often coexist, and lifestyle changes are key to managing and preventing these conditions, starting with understanding the link between alcohol use and poor nutrition.”

Using a survey of a nationally representative sample of more than 1,900 U.S. adults who reported current alcohol use, researchers compared the diet quality among people who consume beer only (38.9%), wine only (21.8%), liquor only (18.2%), or a combination of alcohol types (21%), measuring self-reported eating habits against the Healthy Eating Index, a validated standardized tool based on dietary guidelines.

None of the alcohol-using groups came close to achieving the 80-point score that is considered an adequate diet on the 100-point Healthy Eating Index, Novack said, but the beer drinkers scored lowest at 49. Wine drinkers scored 55, and both liquor-only drinkers and combination drinkers scored nearly 53.

Beer-only drinkers, who were more likely to be male, younger, smokers, and low income, also reported the highest total daily caloric intake, adjusting for body weight, and the lowest level of physical activity. Previous studies have found that dietary quality declines with increasing alcohol consumption of any type, but little has been reported on the influence of specific alcoholic beverage type.

Novack said the differences in diet quality among drinkers could be attributed to the context in which food and alcohol consumed together. In the U.S., beer is often chosen in settings where the available foods tend to be low in fiber and high in carbohydrates and processed meats. On the other hand, wine — particularly red wine — is often paired with meals complete with meat, vegetables and dairy.

Another possibility is the inverse, where dietary choices influence the choice of alcohol consumed, Novack said. For example, fried or salty foods create thirst that may also lead to beer-only consumption.

For prevention of liver disease and other health issues, physicians should ask about the type of alcohol consumed to guide discussion of healthy behaviors, Novack said. For example, findings of this study can be applied to patients who identify as beer-only drinkers and physicians could suggest increasing fruit and vegetable intake, as well as physical activity.

Madeline Novack, MD, will present the study, “Beer Consumption is Associated with Low Dietary Quality Among Alcohol Users,” abstract 3019, on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. PST. The study is simultaneously being published in the journal Nutrients.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed that age-associated hearing loss (AAHL) and peripheral neuropathy (PN) significantly contribute to balance impairment, increased risk of falls, and ultimately, earlier mortality in older adults. This research was a part of the Oklahoma Longitudinal Assessment of the Health Outcomes of Mature Adults (OKLAHOMA) Studies and highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing these conditions in primary care settings to improve the health and longevity of the elderly population.

The study analyzed data from a total 793 primary care patients by focusing on the prevalence and severity of AAHL, and its association with PN, balance, gait, and mortality. The results found that 63% of participants had some form of AAHL, with a marked 20% expressing low-frequency hearing loss and 4% having unilateral deficits. Additionally, 32% of the participants were diagnosed with PN.

One of the significant outcomes of this study was the clear connection between AAHL, PN, and impaired balance. The participants with moderate to severe AAHL and the individuals with PN showed markedly reduced balance and increased gait time that leads to a higher risk of falls. These factors collectively contributed to a decrease in survival time.

In terms of mortality, the outcomes suggest that both AAHL and PN independently increased the risk of premature death. The participants with moderate or severe AAHL had a 36% higher risk of earlier mortality, while the participants with PN had a 32% higher risk when compared to the participants without these conditions. When both conditions were present, the risk of earlier mortality increased even further by indicating an additive effect.

The structural equation modeling (SEM) suggested that the impact of AAHL and PN on mortality is mediated partly through impaired balance. The mechanisms underlying these associations are likely complex and multifaceted by involving factors such as sensory deficits, reduced mobility, and an increased likelihood of falls.

These findings bring out the critical need for healthcare providers to screen for and address hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy in older adults. Early identification and intervention could reduce the risk of falls and other complications by potentially improving balance, mobility, and overall survival. Overall, the study highlights the significant role that AAHL and PN play in the health outcomes of older adults. As these conditions are common in the aging population, their early detection and management are crucial for enhancing quality of life and extending longevity. 

Source:

Mold, J. W., Lawler, F. H., Liao, X., & Bard, D. E. (2024). Associations between hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, balance, and survival in older primary care patients. In Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.19142