In January 2020 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess the association between alcohol consumption and chronic kidney disease. A total of 12,692 individuals, aged 45-64 years, were involved in the study. Information on alcohol consumption was collected via a food frequency questionnaire at the start of the study and the individuals were divided into 6 alcohol consumption categories, namely never drinkers, former drinkers, 1 drink per week, 2 to 7 drinks per week, 8 to 14 drinks per week, and over 15 drinks per week. Cronic kidney disease was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate under 60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 accompanied by at least an estimated 25% decline in glomerular filtration rate, a kidney disease-related hospitalization or death or end-stage renal disease. During an average follow up of 24 years, a total of 3,664 diagnoses of chronic kidney disease were made. Results showed that there was no significant association between being a former drinker and risk of chronic kidney disease. Individuals who had 1 drink per week had a 12% reduced risk of chronic kidney disease compared with never drinkers, whilst those who consumed 2 to 7 drinks per week had a 20% reduced risk, 8 to 14 drinks per week a 29% reduced risk, and 15 and over drinks per week a 23% reduced risk. The researchers therefore concluded that consuming a low or moderate amount of alcohol may reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Hu EA et al. Alcohol Consumption and Incident Kidney Disease: Results From the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. J Ren Nutr. 2020 Jan;30(1):22-30