Effect of alcohol consumption on kidney function

A study examined the association of alcohol consumption with an overall change in kidney function over 12 years.
Data from a population-based cohort that was part of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were analysed. Primary exposure was total alcohol intake (non-drinkers, 0 to < 10 g/day, 10 to < 30 g/day, and ≥ 30 g/day). The main outcome was a decline in kidney function over 12 years. The study included 5,729 participants with a mean age of 51.
Compared to non-drinkers, higher alcohol intake groups had lesser reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over 12 years; fully adjusted beta coefficients and 95% confidence intervals were 0.45 (− 0.27, 1.18), 1.87 (0.88, 2.87), and 3.08 (1.93, 4.24) for participants with alcohol intake of < 10, 10 to < 30, and ≥ 30 g/day, respectively. However, this association was attenuated among women, being a smoker, and being aged ≥ 60 year.
Compared with not drinking, more frequent alcohol consumption and binge drinking were associated with lesser reduction in eGFR. The authors say that their findings suggest that alcohol consumption may have a favourable effect on kidney function among the general population.
Source: Lee, YJ., Cho, S. & Kim, S.R. Effect of alcohol consumption on kidney function: population-based cohort study. Sci Rep 11, 2381 (2021).