Short-term abstinence reduces risk of liver disease

Moderate drinkers who abstain from alcohol for a short period of time significantly reduce the risk of developing alcoholic liver disease, according to a new study.

Short-term abstinence from alcohol can significantly reduce the risks of developing liver disease, new research suggests

Short-term abstinence from alcohol can also reduce the danger of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), researchers from University College London and Camden and Islington Public Health in London.

The data was revealed in a presentation at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

“This study builds on existing data showing a synergistic relationship between alcohol and fat in the risk of chronic liver disease,” commented Gautam Mehta, MD, MBBS.

The study analysed 94 participants from the 2015 Dry January programme in the UK, none of whom were alcohol-dependent or already showing signs of existing liver disease.

Each person completed a lifestyle survey and then alterations were made for demographic/ lifestyle factors.

The scientists then studied each adult for changes in insulin resistance and other known markets of NAFLD and were tested at baseline and after one month.

After a month, the results revealed “significant” metabolic changes in several areas, including insulin resistance.

As such, the researchers concluded that even short-term abstinence has a significant effect on reducing the risk of developing NAFLD in healthy individuals.

“We currently don’t know how durable these benefits are, beyond the one month of abstinence, but the suggestion is the moderation of alcohol intake will have ongoing metabolic benefits,” added Mehta.

“The degree of benefit on insulin resistance was surprising. If you had a drug that could do this, it would generate a lot of interest.”