Does Moderate Drinking Harden Bones?

Short-term abstention and resumption of alcohol intake affected markers of bone turnover in postmenopausal women.

Although alcoholism is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) in women, moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with increased BMD. Investigators assessed the effect of short-term alcohol withdrawal in 40 menopausal women (mean age, 56) who consumed alcohol moderately, did not have osteoporosis, and were not receiving hormone therapy. Serum markers of bone turnover were assessed at baseline, after 2 weeks of abstention from drinking, and 24 hours after resumption of ethanol intake at baseline levels.

Mean baseline alcohol consumption in the group was 19 g ethanol daily, equivalent to 1.4 standard drinks. After 14 days of abstinence from alcohol, markers of both bone resorption and bone formation were significantly higher tha…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Does Moderate Drinking Harden Bones?

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Reviewing Author