It appears that up to 300 genes related to bone health are inhibited by excessive alcohol consumption.
There are studies that attest to a benefit on the bone of moderate amounts of alcohol, while large amounts turn out to be deleterious. But what is the amount of alcohol that divides what is good for you from what is harmful?
It appears that up to 300 genes related to bone health are inhibited by excessive alcohol consumption.
Heavy drinkers, that is, those who consume 4 to 15 alcoholic drinks on a single occasion, can self-inflict damage for years.Even 3 years of absolute abstinence is not enough to restore the activity of altered genes.
On the other hand, there are studies noting the protective effect of alcohol in postmenopausal women: the increase in bone density may depend on the transformation of testosterone to estrogen coadjuvanted by alcohol. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption in adolescence and young adulthood may reduce bone growth and greatly increase the risk of developing osteoporosis in later years for both women and men.
- Let's look specifically at the negative effects:
- Alcohol can cause vitamin D deficiency resulting in reduced calcium absorption;
- Alcohol can increase circulating levels of PTH;
- Alcohol can increase magnesium excretion, resulting in bone health;
- Alcohol inhibits bone formation because of the toxic effect on osteoblasts and the stimulating effect on osteoclasts;
Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to elevated cortisol levels, with the known consequences on bone.
