Changes in alcohol consumption and their association with lipid profiles among Korean adults

Alcohol consumption influences lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk; however, the longitudinal effects of changes in drinking behaviour on serum lipid levels remain unclear. A study evaluated associations between alcohol initiation and cessation and changes in lipid profiles among Korean adults.
Researchers analysed data from the community-based Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), including adults aged 40-69 years. Changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, and total cholesterol were assessed across follow-up visits. Associations between changes in alcohol intake-initiation, cessation, and average number of standard drinks per day-and lipid changes were estimated, adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors.
Compared with individuals who remained non-consumers, alcohol initiation was associated with increased HDL-C levels (β = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.55), with no significant change in LDL-C. Compared with continued consumers, alcohol cessation was associated with decreased HDL-C (β = -2.37; 95% CI, -3.80 to -1.94), triglycerides (β = -2.92; 95% CI, -5.81 to -0.02), and total cholesterol (β = -2.30; 95% CI, -3.80 to -0.79). Each one-standard drink/day increase was associated with higher HDL-C (β = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.51 to 1.36) and lower LDL-C (β = -0.87; 95% CI, -1.68 to -0.05).
Alcohol initiation and cessation were associated with distinct lipid changes, highlighting metabolic implications of drinking patterns and supporting moderation in alcohol consumption.
Source: Park, S., & Park, B. (2026). Changes in alcohol consumption and their association with lipid profiles among Korean adults aged 40-69 years: the Korea Genome and Epidemiology Study. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 36.