Alcohol is most harmful during these 3 phases of life

New study
In these 3 phases of life, alcohol is particularly harmful

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Most people are now aware that too much alcohol is harmful to health. However, a study now shows that excessive alcohol consumption, especially in three phases of life, is even more harmful than assumed.

A beer after work or a nice glass of red wine in the evening: many adults treat themselves to a glass of alcohol a day. And for most healthy adults this is not a problem either – as studies show, a glass of red wine in the evening can even be healthy. A new study by British and Australian researchers shows that this does not apply to all: According to their data, there are three main phases in life in which even moderate consumption of alcohol can cause great damage. The research is a meta-analysis of pre-existing studies by researchers from Kings College London and the University of New South Wales, Sydney.

That's how dangerous alcohol is during pregnancy

It is well known that pregnant women should refrain from alcohol in order to avoid damage to their child's health. But: "Worldwide around ten percent of pregnant women consume alcohol, although the rates in European countries are considerably higher than the global average," said the lead author of the study, Dr. Louise Mewton. So one can assume that many pregnant women still believe that a wine spritzer here and there wouldn't hurt. But this is a mistake, as the investigation shows: Even the smallest amounts of alcohol at the wrong time, for example when the embryo's brain is taking a new developmental step, can permanently and negatively change the brain structure.

Excessive alcohol consumption in teenagers reduces intelligence

Teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 form the second phase of life, when excessive alcohol consumption can cause serious damage. Around one in five young people regularly practices excessive alcohol, in which at least 60 grams of pure alcohol is consumed. This can lead to memory disorders, among other things, and the brain volume is also reduced. Furthermore, the development of the so-called white brain matter is inhibited – which is associated with an increased risk of traffic accidents and suicidal thoughts.

Faster mental decline in seniors

According to the study data, people aged 65 and over drink rather in moderation, but very regularly. And even this moderate regular alcohol consumption could reduce brain volume. Although it is not yet clear whether this change can also lead to mental impairment, experts assume that alcohol consumption accelerates the age-related degradation process.

A statement in the British Medical Journey (BMJ), in which the study was published, states: "Further studies are required to clarify this. The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on alcohol consumption and the damage it causes are also unclear."