Association between alcohol consumption and chronic kidney disease: a population-based survey

A study investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption and CKD or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Using data from enrolled adults from the second Taiwanese Survey on Prevalences of Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia, conducted in 2007, participants were categorised into frequent drinkers, occasional drinkers, and nondrinkers. The amount of alcohol consumption was assessed by standard drinks per week. The primary outcome was the presence of CKD, and the secondary outcome was the eGFR.Among 3,967 participants with a mean age of 47.9 years and a CKD prevalence of 11.7%, 13.8% were frequent drinkers, and 23.1% were occasional drinkers. The average amount of alcohol consumed was 3.3 drinks per week. Frequent drinkers (odds ratio [OR] 0.622, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.443-0.874) and occasional drinkers (OR 0.597 95% CI 0.434-0.821) showed a lower prevalence of CKD than nondrinkers. Consumption of a larger number of standard drinks was associated with a lower prevalence of CKD (OR 0.872, 95% CI 0.781-0.975). Frequent drinkers and those who consumed a larger number of standard drinks per week showed higher eGFRs.
Within the range of moderate alcohol intake, those who consumed more alcohol had a higher eGFR and reduced prevalence of CKD. The potentially harmful effects of heavy drinking should be taken into consideration, and alcohol intake should be limited to less than light to moderate levels, the authors say.
Source: Chen IC, Tsai WC, Hsu LY, Ko MJ, Chien KL, Hung KY, Wu HY. (2024) Association between alcohol consumption and chronic kidney disease: a population-based survey. Clinical and Experimental Nephrology.