Alcohol's Impact on the Gallbladder: Exploring the Relationship and Further Facts
Moderate Alcohol Consumption May Lower Gallstone Risk, While Heavy Drinking Increases It
A new review of 24 studies suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may lower the risk of developing gallstones, while heavy or excessive alcohol intake increases the risk.
According to the findings, moderate drinking—defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two for men—may reduce gallstone risk by positively influencing bile production and cholesterol metabolism [1]. On the other hand, heavy or chronic alcohol consumption can disrupt bile production, exacerbate inflammation (gastritis and pancreatitis), and thereby increase the likelihood of gallstone formation and gallbladder disease [1][3].
In a cross-sectional study, drinkers were found to have a significantly higher risk of gallstones (odds ratio 1.93) compared to non-drinkers, after adjusting for confounders. This suggests that the relationship between alcohol consumption and gallstones might be complex and dose-dependent [2].
The metabolic effects of alcohol on visceral fat and cholesterol metabolism seem to have both beneficial and harmful impacts depending on the consumption level.
Impact on Gallstones Based on Alcohol Consumption Level
| Alcohol Consumption Level | Impact on Gallstones | |--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Moderate | May reduce risk by improving bile function and cholesterol metabolism [1]. | | Heavy/Chronic | Increases risk by causing bile metabolism disruption, inflammation, and gallbladder disease; highly elevated risk with alcoholic cirrhosis [1][3]. |
People with existing gallbladder conditions or a history of gallstones may be advised to avoid alcohol altogether [1].
This understanding aligns with broader health recommendations to drink alcohol in moderation to minimize gallbladder and liver complications.
It's important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to short-term risks such as drinking-related injuries, increased chance of violent behavior, alcohol poisoning, harmful sexual behaviors, miscarriage, stillbirth, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders if drinking while pregnant. Ongoing heavy drinking can also increase a person's risk of developing alcohol use disorder and several short- and long-term health problems.
For those struggling with alcohol dependence, resources are available. The Treatment Referral Routing Service (TRRS) from SAMHSA, NIAAA's Alcohol Treatment Navigator, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon, and contacting a healthcare professional can provide assistance.
[1] Liu, R. H., & Wang, J. (2018). Alcohol and Gallstone Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 42(1), 181–192. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.13706
[2] Liu, R. H., & Wang, J. (2018). Alcohol and Gallstone Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 42(1), 181–192. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.13706
[3] Rong, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2020). Alcohol and Gallstone Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 44(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.14434
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